Lesson 17: How Did the Civil War Test and Transform the American Constitutional System?

Terms

abolitionists  Opponents of slavery who wished to put an end to the institution.

literacy test  A test to prove a person's abilities to read and write. Until 1964, such tests were used in various states to prevent minorities from voting.

poll tax  A tax that voters in many states were required to pay in order to exercise their right to vote. These barriers were used until 1964 to prevent African Americans from voting.

secession  In U.S. history, the act of states leaving the Union in 1861 following the election of President Abraham Lincoln; precipitated the Civil War.