Because, history proved that not all of the citizens were not permitted to vote. A look back in time would illustrate those who were discriminated against. In the year 1789, George Washington was sworn into office, but only White, male property owners had the right to vote. In 1870, Ulysses S. Grant adopted the 15th Amendment that allowed voting rights to all men regardless of color, race, or previous condition of servitude. Women did not have the right to vote, although, they petitioned it in Seneca Falls, N.Y. since 1848; moreover, it would take 62 more years until their voice was heard, and the 19th Amendment was passed which allowed women the right to vote. 45 years later, the government banned all literacy testing in order to prevent African-Americans from voting. At the age of 18, one could be drafted into the military, but they could not vote until the age of 21. Richard Nixon signed the 26th Amendment to lower the voting age to 18 in 1971. Nixon as well as Congress were very reluctant in signing the 26th Amendment. Students went to the nation’s capital challenging the right to send 18 to 21-year-olds to war to fight for “Democracy” in Vietnam while at the same time they were being denied the right to vote. Their voice started being heard when so many of these young men were being returned home in body bags (G.T.
Because, history proved that not all of the citizens were not permitted to vote. A look back in time would illustrate those who were discriminated against. In the year 1789, George Washington was sworn into office, but only White, male property owners had the right to vote. In 1870, Ulysses S. Grant adopted the 15th Amendment that allowed voting rights to all men regardless of color, race, or previous condition of servitude. Women did not have the right to vote, although, they petitioned it in Seneca Falls, N.Y. since 1848; moreover, it would take 62 more years until their voice was heard, and the 19th Amendment was passed which allowed women the right to vote. 45 years later, the government banned all literacy testing in order to prevent African-Americans from voting. At the age of 18, one could be drafted into the military, but they could not vote until the age of 21. Richard Nixon signed the 26th Amendment to lower the voting age to 18 in 1971. Nixon as well as Congress were very reluctant in signing the 26th Amendment. Students went to the nation’s capital challenging the right to send 18 to 21-year-olds to war to fight for “Democracy” in Vietnam while at the same time they were being denied the right to vote. Their voice started being heard when so many of these young men were being returned home in body bags (G.T.