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University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Department of Afro American Studies

4/2 Black of the U.S. Constitution
VEL PHILLIPS, JD, Adjunct Professor
Final Exam - 5/16/84

History tells us that there have been cyclical gains and -
Losses by Blacks of the right to vote. Recall that while
some Blacks voted even during the early days of the Republic,
Blacks were effectively disfranchised in the 1830's.
They were granted the franchise in the 1860's following the
Civil war. They were again disfranchised In the 1890's in
the wake of the end of Reconstruction, and then were enfranchised
again during the 1960's. In light of this history,
It is not unreasonable to assume that a similar series
of political and/or economic pressures might result in efforts
to again eliminate Blacks as a voting force. Certainly
this appears to be in line with Justice Thurgood Marshall's
thinking as expressed in his dissent in City of Mobile vs.
Bolden. Bearing all of this in mind, please answer the following
questions in detail.

A. Do you think that Jesse Jackson's remarkable
ability to garner Black votes (as exhibited
In primaries across the country) might possibly
trigger that negative effect?
If the answer is Yes, explain why in depth;
if the answer Is No, explain why in depth.

B. Jesse Jackson wants to eliminate the Run-off
primary which is so prevalent In the South.
Explain in detail why he wants it eliminated,
If you agree on disagree with his thinking
and, in essence, the pro & cons of this type
of primary-

Certainly you know it is primary to state that for Blacks, true
political participation has always been extremely difficult.
You also know that in August of 1965 the U.S. Congress enacted
a comprehensive Voting Rights Bill. The Supreme Court upheld
be constitutionality of that Act the following year, and Chief
Justice Warren swept aside all arguments questioning its validity
(South Carolina vs Katzenbach). Since then, Blacks have
made some definite gains in the electoral process. However,