How were various religion groups kept from wielding any political power in the 1700s and early 1800s even though "No religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States" (Article VI) was written in the Constitution and "the freedom to worship according to one's personal religious beliefs" was guaranteed in the Bill of Rights?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Suggested Response: Black males could vote and run for office. Sixteen were elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, one became governor of Louisiana, six were lieutenant governors, and over 600 were elected to state legislatures. In response to the new found freedom and political presence, the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan intimidated blacks and ostracized white who were supportive of the new social order. Many racists groups used violence, especially at night, to regain power over those who did not agree with them. Blacks were harassed into not voting and many were forced to move or were lynched. Federal troops left the south by 1877. In the 1880s and 1890s the U. S. Supreme Court sanctioned legislation that prevented blacks from voting, removed them from jury rolls, maintained their segregated schools and required racial segregation in public transportation and public facilities.