The function of such tests was to invoke the grandfather clause — anyone whose grandfather could vote was not required to pass the test; thus, native-born whites were largely exempt.
(That is the original meaning of the term “grandfather clause”, by the way.)
The function of such tests was to invoke the grandfather clause
Are you sure? The Slate article did not mention that as the function. According to the test:
This test is to be given to anyone who cannot prove a fifth grade education.
The Slate article doesn’t mention grandfather clauses either, instead saying:
The literacy test—supposedly applicable to both white and black prospective voters who couldn’t prove a certain level of education but in actuality disproportionately administered to black voters—was a classic example of one of these barriers.
The Slate article did not mention that as the function.
The Wikipedia article I linked discusses this; this one mentions Louisiana’s literacy test specifically.
The tests were never intended to verify mental competence or education; the grandfather clauses make this clear. Their purpose was to provide a pretext for disfranchisement of former slaves and the descendants of slaves.
Really. The past sucks.
“History is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake.”
The function of such tests was to invoke the grandfather clause — anyone whose grandfather could vote was not required to pass the test; thus, native-born whites were largely exempt.
(That is the original meaning of the term “grandfather clause”, by the way.)
Grandfather clauses were declared unconstitutional in 1915, so this particular test would not have a grandfather clause exemption.
Are you sure? The Slate article did not mention that as the function. According to the test:
The Slate article doesn’t mention grandfather clauses either, instead saying:
The Wikipedia article I linked discusses this; this one mentions Louisiana’s literacy test specifically.
The tests were never intended to verify mental competence or education; the grandfather clauses make this clear. Their purpose was to provide a pretext for disfranchisement of former slaves and the descendants of slaves.
Really. The past sucks.
“History is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake.”
Oops. You are right.