What does the Voting Rights Act of 1965 aim to accomplish?

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was specifically designed to eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans, particularly in the Southern states, where discriminatory practices were widespread. The Act aimed to address and dismantle practices such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and other obstacles that were used to disenfranchise Black voters. By prohibiting these discriminatory practices, the legislation sought to ensure that all citizens, regardless of race, would have an equal opportunity to participate in the electoral process. This focused approach was critical in advancing voting rights and promoting equality in voter access, making option B the correct answer.

The other options do not fully capture the primary mission of this landmark legislation. While increasing voter turnout and guaranteeing equal representation are important related goals, they are not the explicit focus of the Voting Rights Act itself. Providing financial assistance for voters is not a component of this Act, which specifically targets electoral accessibility rather than economic support.