Give Us the Ballot

Give Us the Ballot

Give Us the Ballot: The Modern Struggle for Voting Rights in America is a book by Ari Berman, published in 2015. The book provides a comprehensive history of voting rights in the United States, focusing on the period after the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Background

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark piece of federal legislation in the United States that prohibited racial discrimination in voting. It was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. The Act aimed to overcome legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote under the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution.

Summary of the Book

Give Us the Ballot explores the ongoing struggle for voting rights in America, highlighting the challenges and setbacks that have occurred since the passage of the Voting Rights Act. Berman details the efforts by various groups to expand or restrict voting rights, including:

• The initial impact of the Voting Rights Act in increasing voter registration and participation among African Americans.
• The backlash against the Act, including efforts to undermine its provisions through legal and political means.
• The role of the Supreme Court of the United States in shaping voting rights, particularly the decision in Shelby County v. Holder (2013), which invalidated key provisions of the Act.
• The rise of voter ID laws and other measures that critics argue suppress minority voting.

Key Themes

Berman's book addresses several key themes:

• **The Importance of Voting Rights**: The book underscores the fundamental role that voting rights play in a democratic society and the ongoing efforts required to protect these rights.
• **Racial Discrimination**: It highlights the persistent issue of racial discrimination in voting and the various forms it has taken over the decades.
• **Judicial Influence**: The influence of the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, in interpreting and enforcing voting rights laws is a central theme.
• **Political and Social Movements**: The book examines the role of grassroots movements and political advocacy in shaping voting rights policy.

Reception

Give Us the Ballot received critical acclaim for its thorough research and engaging narrative. It was praised for shedding light on a crucial aspect of American democracy and for its timely examination of voting rights issues in the context of contemporary political debates.

Impact

The book has been influential in raising awareness about the challenges facing voting rights in the United States. It has been used as a resource by educators, policymakers, and activists working to protect and expand voting rights.

See Also

• Civil Rights Movement
• Voting Rights Act of 1965
• Shelby County v. Holder
• Voter ID laws in the United States

References

• Berman, Ari. Give Us the Ballot: The Modern Struggle for Voting Rights in America. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2015.