The history of suffrage and franchise in the United States is a complex and evolving one. From the founding of the nation to the present day, the right to vote has been contested, expanded, and redefined. At the heart of this struggle lies a fundamental question: who has the right to participate in the governance of their society?
Suffrage and the Founding of the United States
When the United States was founded in 1776, only a small fraction of the population had the right to vote. Suffrage was limited to white, male property owners who had reached the age of 21. This narrow franchise reflected the prevailing belief that only the propertied, educated class was capable of making wise political decisions.
Early Expansion of Suffrage
The early years of the American republic saw a gradual expansion of suffrage. In the 1820s and 1830s, several states abolished property qualifications for voting. However, these changes did not extend to women or African Americans, who were still denied the right to vote.
Women’s Suffrage
The fight for women’s suffrage began in the mid-19th century. Led by suffragettes such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, the movement called for the enfranchisement of all women. The suffragettes organized protests, lobbied legislators, and faced arrest and violence.
In 1920, the long struggle for women’s suffrage culminated in the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The amendment prohibited states from denying the right to vote based on sex.
African American Suffrage
The fight for African American suffrage was even more protracted and difficult. After the Civil War, the 14th and 15th Amendments to the Constitution granted African American males the right to vote. However, these amendments were not enforced in the South, where white supremacists used violence and intimidation to suppress black voter turnout.
In the 20th century, the civil rights movement led to a renewed push for African American suffrage. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 finally outlawed the discriminatory practices that had prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote.
Franchise and the Modern Era
Today, the franchise in the United States is broader than ever before. The 26th Amendment to the Constitution, passed in 1971, lowered the voting age to 18. In recent years, there have been efforts to expand voting rights even further, such as automatic voter registration and same-day registration.
Importance of Suffrage and Franchise
The franchise and suffrage are essential components of a democratic society. By granting citizens the right to vote, we empower them to participate in the governance of their country. Voting is not simply a right; it is a civic duty that allows us to shape our collective future.
Conclusion
The history of suffrage and franchise in the United States is a story of progress and struggle. From the narrow franchise of the founding era to the broad franchise of today, the right to vote has been a constant battleground. But through the efforts of countless activists and reformers, we have made significant strides toward creating a more just and representative democracy. As we look to the future, we must continue to fight to protect and expand the franchise so that all Americans have a voice in their government.
Number of Voting-Age Citizens by Race and Ethnicity, 2020
| Race/Ethnicity | Voting-Age Population | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| White | 198,580,600 | 78.2% |
| Black | 26,010,200 | 10.2% |
| Hispanic | 32,511,800 | 12.8% |
| Asian | 11,936,000 | 4.7% |
| Native American | 2,535,900 | 1.0% |
| Pacific Islander | 722,700 | 0.3% |
| Other | 4,813,200 | 1.9% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Population Estimates
Percentage of Voting-Age Population Registered to Vote, by State, 2020
| State | Percentage Registered |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 66.8% |
| Alaska | 75.4% |
| Arizona | 80.9% |
| Arkansas | 71.4% |
| California | 81.7% |
| Colorado | 85.6% |
| Connecticut | 83.5% |
| Delaware | 80.3% |
| Florida | 86.2% |
| Georgia | 74.0% |
| Hawaii | 78.1% |
| Idaho | 82.1% |
| Illinois | 84.1% |
| Indiana | 77.5% |
| Iowa | 84.6% |
| Kansas | 81.8% |
| Kentucky | 69.2% |
| Louisiana | 65.9% |
| Maine | 84.2% |
| Maryland | 83.9% |
| Massachusetts | 86.3% |
| Michigan | 80.7% |
| Minnesota | 86.4% |
| Mississippi | 67.6% |
| Missouri | 80.3% |
| Montana | 79.1% |
| Nebraska | 83.2% |
| Nevada | 80.7% |
| New Hampshire | 85.2% |
| New Jersey | 83.4% |
| New Mexico | 76.4% |
| New York | 82.7% |
| North Carolina | 73.5% |
| North Dakota | 82.8% |
| Ohio | 80.9% |
| Oklahoma | 73.7% |
| Oregon | 85.3% |
| Pennsylvania | 83.0% |
| Rhode Island | 84.7% |
| South Carolina | 72.8% |
| South Dakota | 82.2% |
| Tennessee | 73.5% |
| Texas | 78.5% |
| Utah | 86.5% |
| Vermont | 88.4% |
| Virginia | 82.9% |
| Washington | 86.4% |
| West Virginia | 70.9% |
| Wisconsin | 85.1% |
| Wyoming | 83.4% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Current Population Survey
Number of Registered Voters by Political Party, 2020
| Political Party | Number of Registered Voters | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Democratic | 46,863,133 | 41.0% |
| Republican | 35,674,644 | 31.2% |
| Independent | 27,142,804 | 23.7% |
| Other | 5,385,619 | 4.7% |
Source: U.S. Federal Election Commission, 2020 Voter Registration Statistics
Voter Turnout by Race and Ethnicity, 2020 Presidential Election
| Race/Ethnicity | Voter Turnout |
|---|---|
| White | 72.8% |
| Black | 62.9% |
| Hispanic | 55.7% |
| Asian | 66.4% |
| Native American | 65.6% |
| Pacific Islander | 66.9% |
| Mixed Race | 68.1% |
| Other | 67.4% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Voter Turnout Survey
What is the difference between suffrage and franchise?
Suffrage is the right to vote, while franchise is the right to hold public office. In the United States, the franchise is typically limited to citizens who are 18 years of age or older.
What are some of the challenges to voting in the United States?
There are a number of challenges to voting in the United States, including:
- Voter ID laws: Some states have strict voter ID laws that require voters to present a government-issued ID in order to vote. These laws have been criticized for disenfranchising voters who do not have the required ID, such as the elderly, homeless, and students.
- Gerrymandering: Gerrymandering is the practice of redrawing voting districts in order to give one political party an unfair advantage. This can make it difficult for voters to elect candidates of their choice.
- Limited early voting: Some states have limited early voting periods, which can make it difficult for voters to cast their ballots on Election Day.
What can be done to improve voter turnout?
There are a number
