What major social change was led by the Voting Rights Act of 1965?

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark piece of legislation aimed specifically at addressing and eliminating barriers that prevented African Americans and other minority groups from exercising their right to vote. Prior to the Act, various discriminatory practices, such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and other forms of intimidation, were employed primarily in Southern states to suppress African American voter registration and participation.

The Act sought to enforce the voting rights guaranteed by the 14th and 15th Amendments of the United States Constitution, thereby promoting racial equality in the political process. By prohibiting racial discrimination in voting and empowering federal oversight of voter registration in areas where such practices had historically occurred, the Act significantly increased African American voter registration and participation in elections.

This important social change not only fostered a more inclusive democratic process but also contributed to the broader Civil Rights Movement, as it helped to dismantle systemic racism in various aspects of American life. In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the primary objective of the Voting Rights Act, which focused on removing racial barriers to voting rather than specifically targeting women's participation, establishing a two-party system, or promoting civic education.