What impact did the Civil War amendments have on federalism and state rights?

Study for the AP Government and Politics Federalism Test. Analyze questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam with our resources!

The Civil War amendments, specifically the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, significantly expanded federal authority over states, which is why this answer is accurate.

The 13th Amendment abolished slavery, fundamentally altering the relationship between the federal government and the states by prohibiting states from maintaining such an institution. This marked a clear shift from state autonomy to federal oversight on issues of civil rights.

The 14th Amendment further reinforced federal authority by granting citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States and ensuring equal protection under the laws. This federal mandate limited states' powers to discriminate and required them to uphold individual rights, thus promoting a national standard that states could not violate.

The 15th Amendment sought to protect the voting rights of African American men, prohibiting states from denying the right to vote based on race or color. This amendment empowered the federal government to intervene in state electoral practices to ensure fair access to voting for all citizens.

As a result, these amendments collectively led to a significant increase in federal oversight of state laws and practices, fostering a more centralized approach to civil rights and freedoms in the United States. This shift illustrates how the Civil War amendments reinforced the federal government's role in protecting individual liberties,

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