Which type of change—political, social, or economic—had the most impact on Southern life? Which type of change—political, social, or economic—faced the most challenges? Why were Southerners against this type of change? For the first hundred years of the United States, only white males were able to vote. Since then, amendments to the Constitution have made it so that any citizen aged 18 or older can vote. Which amendments granted different groups the right to vote? Why were amendments needed to expand voting rights?