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.
The ex-president, Pratibha Patil, who was in office till 25 July 2012, was elected as the 12th President of India in 2007. She is also the first woman to serve as President of India.