Smithsonian's National Museum of American History

Does an amendment give you the right to vote?

< 10 minutes

When

Where

1250 New York Avenue NW

Washington

,

DC

20560

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You've likely heard, perhaps on the news or in the classroom, that the Fifteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution gave or granted African American men the right to vote. It's a turn of phrase that works as a shorthand. Unfortunately, it's also a bit misleading.

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Smithsonian's National Museum of American History

1 hour

Made By Us © 2026

Made By Us © 2026

Made By Us © 2026