The XV (15th) Amendment was passed, granting blacks the right to vote. The proposed amendment was sent to the states Feb. 27, 1869, by the Fortieth Congress. It was ratified Feb. 3, 1870.
[Right of certain citizens to vote established.]
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
[Congress given power to enforce this article.]
The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.