What is suffrage? How has it been extended to more and more people over time?
Suffrage is the right to vote.[a] In 1792, only white, male property owners could vote.[b] Today, nearly all citizens of age 18 or older can vote.
Suffrage refers to the right to vote in political elections. Suffrage has been extended to more and more people over time through various movements and legislative changes.
Initially, suffrage was limited to wealthy, landed white men who owned property. However, in the 19th and 20th centuries, various movements emerged that sought to expand suffrage to a wider population. For example, the women’s suffrage movement fought for women’s right to vote, which was achieved in many countries in the early 20th century.
Another way in which suffrage has been extended is by removing property requirements as a prerequisite for voting. This has enabled more people, particularly the working class, to participate in the democratic process. Additionally, many countries have lowered or abolished age requirements for voting, thereby giving young people a voice in the political process.
More recently, there has been a push to extend suffrage to disenfranchised populations such as felons and non-citizens living in certain countries. Efforts have also been made to make voting more accessible through measures such as early voting and mail-in ballots.
Overall, suffrage has been extended to more and more people over time through various movements and legislative changes aimed at increasing democratic participation and ensuring fair representation.
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Understanding 527 Groups: The Role and Impact of Tax-Exempt Political Organizations in US Politics5 Key Restrictions on State Power Over Voting: Understanding the Constitutional Amendments, Federal Laws, Court Decisions, and Public Opinion.
The 5 Stages of Extending Suffrage in the United States: From Religious and Property Qualifications to the Enfranchisement of African Americans, Women, and 18-Year-Olds.