The Voting Rights Act of 1965 had a profound impact on American democracy by eliminating barriers that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote, particularly in the southern states. The Act aimed to overcome systemic injustices, such as literacy tests and poll taxes, that disenfranchised black voters. Its enforcement mechanisms empowered the federal government to oversee voter registration and elections in areas with a history of discrimination. Consequently, the Act significantly increased voter registration among African Americans and fostered greater political representation, ultimately contributing to the broader civil rights movement and advancing democratic participation in the United States.