What fundamental principle is established by the voting rights amendment?

The voting rights amendment fundamentally established the principle of universal suffrage, which ensures that the right to vote cannot be denied or abridged on the basis of race, color, or sex. This principle is enshrined in several amendments to the U.S. Constitution, particularly the 15th Amendment, which prohibits voting discrimination based on race, and the 19th Amendment, which grants women the right to vote. These amendments collectively contribute to a more inclusive electoral process, reflecting the democratic ideal that all citizens should have a say in their government.

In contrast, the other choices address aspects of voting rights that either restricted or were historically significant in shaping current laws but do not align with the fundamental goal of universal suffrage. Voter ID requirements may impose barriers to voting, poll taxes were used to disenfranchise certain populations, and voting only for men reflects a time in U.S. history before women's suffrage was recognized. Thus, the essence of the voting rights amendment is about inclusivity and the entitlement of every citizen to participate in elections, underscoring the commitment to universal suffrage.