Short Answer 
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in voting, significantly increasing African American voter registration and representation. Its critical features included banning literacy tests and establishing federal oversight in discriminatory areas, which strengthened political participation among African Americans and set the groundwork for further civil rights advancements.
Step 1: Understanding the Voting Rights Act
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is a landmark piece of legislation aimed at eliminating racial discrimination in voting. It was enacted in response to various discriminatory practices that were widely used, particularly in southern states, to suppress the voting rights of African Americans. Important features of the Act include:
- Prohibition of literacy tests that were often used to disenfranchise voters.
- Federal oversight of voter registration in areas with a history of discrimination.
- Empowerment of citizens to challenge discriminatory voting practices in court.
Step 2: Impact on African American Registration
The enactment of the Voting Rights Act led to a dramatic increase in African American voter registration. Prior to the Act, Black citizens faced numerous barriers to voting, which drastically reduced their participation. After the Act was passed, many African Americans were able to register and vote freely, resulting in:
- A significant rise in voter registration numbers among African Americans.
- Greater representation of African Americans in elected offices.
- A strengthened voice in the political process for African American communities.
Step 3: Conclusion and Significance
The passing of the Voting Rights Act was a crucial step towards achieving electoral equality and dismantling structural racism in the voting system. By prohibiting discriminatory practices, the Act not only increased African American voter registration but also helped lay the foundation for future civil rights advancements. Therefore, it is clear that the Voting Rights Act played a pivotal role in the modern voting rights movement.