Why the Right to Vote is not Enshrined in the Constitution

1. What does the "original Constitution" (Articles 1-7 only, no amendments) say about voting rights?

The "original constitution" says nothing about voting rights.
2. What does Lichtman mean when he says voting amendments are in "negative terms"?

The statements are "no denying voting for x," but there is no actual explicit right to vote to be denied.
3. Why does he think that the Framers left the right to vote guarantee out of the Constitution?

Too many states would be upset with that and not ratify it.
4. Why does he say that we are now in a "period of backsliding" when it comes to voting rights?

He thinks there are newer and more obscure forms of voter oppression.
5. What forms of voter suppression does he mention?

He mentioned voter ID laws, purges of voter rolls, gerrymandering, and disenfranchisement of felons.
6. Why is it difficult to overturn laws that suppress voting rights?

There is no constitutional basis and the judges tend to want to leave it to the states.
7. Where does he expect to see the biggest changes in the protections of voting rights to come from?

He thinks the changes will come from state courts.
8. What was strange about the way votes in Florida were counted in the 2000 elections?

One out of 10 African American voters' votes was discounted; one out of 50 white voters' votes was discounted.
9. How many states added photo ID laws for voters after Barack Obama's election in 2008?

15 states have.
10. What kinds of policies does Lichtman suggest that the US needs?

He suggests anti- gerrymandering referendums, as well as same day and automatic registration.