What right is protected by the 15th Amendment?

The 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution specifically protects the right to vote by ensuring that this right cannot be denied or abridged on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. Ratified in 1870, it was a significant step in the effort to guarantee African American men the right to participate in the electoral process following the Civil War. This amendment laid the foundation for various voting rights protections and has been instrumental in the ongoing struggle for equitable voting access throughout American history.

Understanding the context of the 15th Amendment clarifies why this particular choice aligns with its provisions, while the other options relate to different constitutional protections. Free speech is safeguarded by the First Amendment, the right to bear arms is covered under the Second Amendment, and the right to a fair trial is addressed by the Sixth Amendment. Each of these amendments focuses on specific rights and liberties, uniquely distinguishing them from the voting rights outlined in the 15th Amendment.