What critical change did the Voting Rights Act of 1965 implement?

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark piece of legislation aimed at eliminating barriers that prevented African Americans and other minority groups from exercising their right to vote, particularly in the southern United States. One of the critical changes it implemented was making literacy tests illegal. These tests had been used as a discriminatory tool to disenfranchise black voters and others, often using arbitrary standards to determine who could vote. By abolishing these tests, the Act significantly increased voter registration and participation among previously marginalized groups.

This Act also included provisions for federal oversight of voter registration and elections in areas with a history of discriminatory practices, ensuring that the right to vote could be protected more effectively. Overall, the legislation marked a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, helping to facilitate greater political participation and representation for minorities.