During the 1960 s, African American voting rights received increased protection. The Civil Rights Act of 1960 provided for the appointment of referees to help African Americans register to vote. The 24th Amendment, adopted in 1964, barred poll taxes in federal elections.
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was the first and longest-serving Prime Minister of India, from 1947 until 1964.
Pratibha Devisingh Patil served as the 12th President of India and was sworn in on 25 July, 2007. She was the first woman and first Maharashtrian to hold the post. The Chief Justice of India K. G. Balakrishnan had sworn her as President of India on July 25, 2007.