Which statement describes the Fifteenth Amendment's purpose?

• A. It prohibits denying the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
• B. It prohibits poll taxes in federal elections.
• C. It guarantees equal protection under the law for all citizens.
• D. It grants citizenship to all people born in the United States.

Answer: (A)

The Fifteenth Amendment is about protecting the right to vote from racial discrimination. It was added to ensure that people could not be denied the ballot because of their race, color, or because of their previous status as enslaved. This focus on restricting racial barriers to voting is why the correct statement highlights prohibiting denial of the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. It does not address poll taxes, equal protection for all citizens in a broader sense, or citizenship for those born in the U.S., which are covered by other amendments and laws.