What does Amendment Twenty-six (26) do?

What does Amendment Twenty-six (26) do?

• A. Lowers the voting age to 18 years old.
• B. Increases the term length of Congress.
• C. Establishes income tax.
• D. Abolishes poll taxes.

Answer: (A)

The key idea tested is how voting eligibility can change with age. The 26th Amendment says that citizens who are 18 years old or older cannot be denied the right to vote or have it abridged because of their age. In other words, it lowers the minimum voting age to 18 nationwide. This change was adopted in 1971, partly in response to the idea that if 18-year-olds can be drafted for military service, they should also be able to vote. The other options refer to different constitutional changes: one is about how long members of Congress can serve, another about establishing an income tax, and another about banning poll taxes. Those are not what the 26th Amendment addresses.

The key idea tested is how voting eligibility can change with age. The 26th Amendment says that citizens who are 18 years old or older cannot be denied the right to vote or have it abridged because of their age. In other words, it lowers the minimum voting age to 18 nationwide. This change was adopted in 1971, partly in response to the idea that if 18-year-olds can be drafted for military service, they should also be able to vote.

The other options refer to different constitutional changes: one is about how long members of Congress can serve, another about establishing an income tax, and another about banning poll taxes. Those are not what the 26th Amendment addresses.