What was a consequence of the political dominance of the Democratic Party in the South?

The political dominance of the Democratic Party in the South, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, resulted in the systematic exclusion of certain groups from the political process, most notably African Americans and, to some extent, poor white voters. This exclusion was facilitated through the implementation of discriminatory practices such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and white primaries, which were designed to limit political participation among those deemed undesirable by the ruling party.

The Democratic Party, having solidified its control after the Reconstruction era, fostered an environment wherein laws were enacted that enforced racial segregation and disenfranchisement. This era of Jim Crow laws served to entrench the social and political divisions within Southern society, reinforcing the dominance of the Democratic Party while marginalizing those who opposed their policies. Therefore, the consequence of this political dominance was not an expansion of democratic ideals or opportunities for all citizens, but rather a calculated effort to maintain power by keeping significant segments of the population away from political influence and rights.