Suffrage

Definition

Suffrage is the right to vote in political elections. It is a fundamental democratic principle that grants citizens the power to participate in the decision-making process of their government.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The fight for universal suffrage was a long and arduous struggle, with women and minorities facing significant opposition and barriers to gaining the right to vote.
2. The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1920, granted women the right to vote nationwide, marking a significant milestone in the women's suffrage movement.
3. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 outlawed discriminatory voting practices that had disenfranchised African Americans, leading to a surge in voter registration and participation.
4. Voter suppression and gerrymandering remain ongoing challenges to the full realization of universal suffrage, as some groups continue to face obstacles to exercising their right to vote.
5. The struggle for suffrage has been closely tied to broader movements for civil rights, social justice, and the expansion of democratic participation.

Review Questions

• Explain how the concept of suffrage was debated in the context of 7.3 Debating Democracy.
  • The debate over suffrage was a central part of the broader discussions around the nature and scope of democracy in the United States. As the country grappled with questions of who should have the right to vote, different factions argued for or against expanding suffrage, with some advocating for a more inclusive system and others seeking to maintain existing restrictions. This debate reflected the ongoing tensions between democratic ideals and the realities of power structures that often sought to limit participation, particularly for marginalized groups.
• Describe the significance of the women's suffrage movement in the context of 13.5 Women's Rights.
  • The women's suffrage movement was a crucial component of the broader women's rights movement, which sought to challenge gender-based discrimination and secure greater social, political, and economic equality for women. The fight for women's suffrage was a hard-fought battle that spanned decades, with activists facing significant opposition and resistance. The passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which granted women the right to vote nationwide, was a landmark achievement that opened the door for greater political participation and representation for women, ultimately shaping the trajectory of the women's rights movement.
• Analyze how the expansion of suffrage for women and African Americans in the context of 21.3 New Voices for Women and African Americans impacted the broader social and political landscape.
  • The expansion of suffrage for women and African Americans in the early 20th century, as discussed in 21.3 New Voices for Women and African Americans, had far-reaching implications for the social and political landscape of the United States. The increased political representation and participation of these previously disenfranchised groups challenged existing power structures and helped to amplify the voices of marginalized communities. This, in turn, contributed to the emergence of new social movements, such as the civil rights movement and the continued push for women's rights, which sought to address longstanding inequalities and push for more inclusive and equitable policies. The expansion of suffrage was a crucial step in the ongoing struggle for democratic representation and the realization of the ideals of universal suffrage.

Related terms

Disenfranchisement: The act of depriving someone of the right to vote, often done through discriminatory laws and practices.

Women's Suffrage: The movement to grant women the right to vote, which was a key part of the broader women's rights movement.

Universal Suffrage: The principle that all adult citizens, regardless of gender, race, or other characteristics, should have the right to vote.