26th Amendment (1971) Voting rights for adult citizens
The Twenty-Sixth Amendment prevents the government from denying voting rights based on age once adulthood is reached.
Plain-English summary of the 26th Amendment
This amendment lowered the voting age to 18.
If you are old enough to serve in the military, you are old enough to vote.
What the 26th Amendment actually says (short excerpt)
“The right of citizens… who are eighteen years of age or older… shall not be denied…”
In plain English: adults vote.
How the 26th Amendment limits government power
What the government may NOT do
Exclude adult citizens from elections.
What citizens gained
Political voice at legal adulthood.
Which branch is most affected
Election administration.
Everyday examples
18-year-olds voting nationwide.
Historical story – service without voice
Young Americans were drafted to fight wars without voting rights. The amendment ended that contradiction.
Historical quote
President Dwight Eisenhower emphasized civic duty tied to citizenship.
This amendment aligns duty with representation.
USCIS civics test connection
Question
What is the voting age in the United States?
Correct short answer
Eighteen.
Quick recap
It expands participation.
It prevents age-based exclusion.
It reinforces equal citizenship.