What does Constitutional Amendment 15 protect individuals from?

Constitutional Amendment 15 is significant as it specifically prohibits the federal and state governments from denying citizens the right to vote based on "race, color, or previous condition of servitude." This amendment was ratified in 1870 during the Reconstruction era, aimed at ensuring that African American men, who had been formerly enslaved, could exercise their right to vote. The amendment serves as a critical component in the broader context of civil rights, as it laid the groundwork for future legislation aimed at overcoming racial discrimination.

The other options, while relevant to various civil rights or legal protections, do not relate to the protections specifically outlined in the 15th Amendment. Voting restrictions based on age fall under different legal considerations, often involving the 26th Amendment, which establishes voting rights for those aged 18 and over. Income tax requirements are governed by the 16th Amendment, which addresses Congress's authority to levy income taxes. Restrictions on freedom of speech pertain to the First Amendment, which safeguards this fundamental right but are not connected to voting rights or racial discrimination as addressed in the 15th Amendment.