Classroom Resources By Topic

Voting Rights

Introduction

The right of a citizen to vote is not directly protected in the Constitution, and throughout our history that right has often been granted to some, but denied to others. However, through various amendments to the Constitution, the right to vote has become more and more inclusive.

Big Questions

What does the Constitution say about voting rights? What’s in there and what isn’t?
Who can vote in America (and when)? Before the Constitution, who could vote, and which governments controlled the vote?
How did Reconstruction transform voting rights in America? What were its limits? Which groups benefited from the 15th, 19th, 23rd, 24th, and 26th Amendments?
Videos: Recorded Classes

Voting Rights Amendments with Jamelle Bouie
All Ages Session   

Voting Rights Amendments  
Advanced Session 

Voting Rights Amendments  
Introductory Session 

  Download Advanced Level Worksheet (via Google Docs) >> Download Intro Level Worksheet (via Google Docs) >>
Briefing Document

Download via Google Docs 

Download
Slide Deck

Download via Google Docs 

Download
Videos: Constitution 101 Lecture

Constitution 101

Module 13: Voting Rights in America

Big Questions

Explore Voting Rights Questions

More from the National Constitution Center
Constitution 101

Explore our new 15-unit core curriculum with educational videos, primary texts, and more.

Media Library

Search and browse videos, podcasts, and blog posts on constitutional topics.

Founders’ Library

Discover primary texts and historical documents that span American history and have shaped the American constitutional tradition.

Education