7. How did the Voting Rights Act of 1965 most directly affect African Americans? A. It granted them the right to vote in all public elections B. It removed obstacles that made it difficult for them to vote C. It increased their representation in the House of Representatives D. It transformed the intent of the Fifteenth Amendment

1<br />The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a significant piece of legislation in the United States that aimed to overcome legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote as guaranteed under the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The Act did not grant African Americans the right to vote in all public elections, as they already had this right under the 15th Amendment. Therefore, option A is incorrect.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The Act did not increase African American representation in the House of Representatives, as it was not designed to change the number of representatives. Therefore, option C is incorrect.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />The Act did not transform the intent of the 15th Amendment, as it was not designed to change the amendment's intent. Therefore, option D is incorrect.<br /><br />## Step 5<br />The Act removed obstacles that made it difficult for African Americans to vote. This is the most direct impact of the Act on African Americans, as it removed legal barriers that were preventing them from voting.