Voting Rights and Majority Rule: The Lincoln Legacy

This chapter examines the intricate history of voting rights in America, focusing on the experiences of Black Americans and the impact of the 15th Amendment and the Voting Rights Act. It critiques the interpretations of majority rule within the U.S. constitutional framework, drawing on Abraham Lincoln's views on governance and societal change through communication rather than force. The discussion also navigates the tension between nonviolent political engagement and the need for decisive action during crises, reflecting on Lincoln's presidency in the context of secession and civil strife.