The Long Road to Equality for women
Excerpt from Susan B. Anthony's Address to Congress in 1868
After more than 100 years of struggle, women in the United States finally won the night to vote in 1920. Sulfragist Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) dedicated her life to the cause of winning the vote for women. In 1866, Anthony read an appeal to the Congress of the United States for the enfranchisement of women.
“To the Senate and House of Representatives:
1. "Woman has always had the right to property and wages, the right to make contracts and do business in her own name. And even married women, by recent legislation, have been secured in these civil rights. Woman now holds a vast amount of the property in the country, and pays her full proportion of taxes. On what principle, then, do you deny her representation?
2. “We propose no new theories. We simply ask that you secure to ALL the practical application of the immutable principles of our government, without distinction of rack, color or sex, And we urge our demand now, because you have the opportunity and the power to take this onward step in legislation. The nations of the earth stand watching and waiting to see if our Revolutionary idea, "all men are created equal," con be realized in government: Crush not, we pray you, the million hopes that hang on our success. Men and parties must pass away, but justice is eternal.
3. "The only tenable ground of representation is UNIVERSAL SUFFRAGE, as it is only through Universal Suffrage that the principle of "Equal Rights to All" can be resized. All prohibitions based on race, color, sex, property, or education, are violations of the republican idea. You assume to be the representatives of 15,000,000 women - American citizens- who already possess every attainable qualification for the ballot. Women read and write, hold many offices under government, pay taxes, and the penalties of crime, and yet are allowed to exercise but the one right of petition.
4. "With man, woman shared the dangers of the Mayflower on a stormy sea, the dreary landing on Plymouth Rock, the rigors of a New England winter, and the privations of a seven years' wait. With him she bravely threw off the British yoke, felt every pulsation of his heart for freedom, and inspires the glowing eloquence that maintained it through the century. With you we have just passed through the agony and death, the resurrection and triumph of another revolution, doing all in our power to mitigate is horrors and guard its glories. And now thank you we have no souls to fire, no brains to weigh your arguments, that after education such as this, we can stand silent witnesses while you sell our birthright of liberty to save from a timely death an effete political organization? No, as we respect womanhood, we must protest against this desecration of the magna Carta of American Liberties; and with an impartiality not to be…
According to details in both the speech and the blog, which right was not granted for more than a century?
- A. women's right to receive a formal education
- B. women's right to practice law nationwide
- C. women's right to equal protection under the law
- D. women's right to own property in their own name
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The right to equal protection under the law was not granted to women for over a century, as it was only recognized with the passage of the 14th Amendment in 1868 and further solidified through various court rulings. Option A is incorrect because women began receiving formal education in the 19th century, although access was limited. Option B is also wrong; women could practice law in some states earlier than the 20th century, although it varied widely. Option D is misleading, as some women could own property in their own name through state laws, though restrictions existed. Thus, equal protection remained the most significant right denied for the longest duration.
The right to equal protection under the law was not granted to women for over a century, as it was only recognized with the passage of the 14th Amendment in 1868 and further solidified through various court rulings. Option A is incorrect because women began receiving formal education in the 19th century, although access was limited. Option B is also wrong; women could practice law in some states earlier than the 20th century, although it varied widely. Option D is misleading, as some women could own property in their own name through state laws, though restrictions existed. Thus, equal protection remained the most significant right denied for the longest duration.
Other Related Questions
Which statement accurately compares the tones of the first paragraph of 'Community Garden Newsletter' and of 'Letter to the Editor: Local Foods'?
- A. One is relieved, while the other is angry.
- B. One is excited, while the other is indignant.
- C. One is insistent, while the other is remorseful.
- D. One is urgent, while the other is pleading.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
In 'Community Garden Newsletter,' the tone is excited, reflecting enthusiasm for community engagement and the benefits of local gardening. This positivity contrasts sharply with the tone of 'Letter to the Editor: Local Foods,' which conveys indignation about the lack of support for local food initiatives. Option A is incorrect as neither tone strongly conveys relief or anger. Option C misinterprets the tones; neither paragraph expresses insistence or remorse. Option D is also inaccurate; while one tone may seem urgent, the other does not convey a pleading sentiment but rather a passionate call to action.
In 'Community Garden Newsletter,' the tone is excited, reflecting enthusiasm for community engagement and the benefits of local gardening. This positivity contrasts sharply with the tone of 'Letter to the Editor: Local Foods,' which conveys indignation about the lack of support for local food initiatives. Option A is incorrect as neither tone strongly conveys relief or anger. Option C misinterprets the tones; neither paragraph expresses insistence or remorse. Option D is also inaccurate; while one tone may seem urgent, the other does not convey a pleading sentiment but rather a passionate call to action.
The author of 'The Letter of the Law' has decided to add subheadings to three paragraphs in her article to explain the idea presented in each. Which subheading summarizes which paragraph?
- A. Supreme Court hears Ledbetter v. Goodyear
- B. Salaries favor men over women
- C. Reasoning behind the decision
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B: Paragraph 2, A: Paragraph 4, C Paragraph 5
Subheading B, "Salaries favor men over women," effectively summarizes Paragraph 2, which discusses the gender wage gap and its implications. This aligns with the content's focus on disparities in pay. Subheading A, "Supreme Court hears Ledbetter v. Goodyear," accurately captures Paragraph 4, where the case's background and significance are outlined, emphasizing judicial involvement. Subheading C, "Reasoning behind the decision," pertains to Paragraph 5, which delves into the Court's rationale and legal interpretations regarding the case, clarifying the decision-making process. Each subheading succinctly reflects the core idea of its respective paragraph.
Subheading B, "Salaries favor men over women," effectively summarizes Paragraph 2, which discusses the gender wage gap and its implications. This aligns with the content's focus on disparities in pay. Subheading A, "Supreme Court hears Ledbetter v. Goodyear," accurately captures Paragraph 4, where the case's background and significance are outlined, emphasizing judicial involvement. Subheading C, "Reasoning behind the decision," pertains to Paragraph 5, which delves into the Court's rationale and legal interpretations regarding the case, clarifying the decision-making process. Each subheading succinctly reflects the core idea of its respective paragraph.
What information does the author provide about wave-capturing devices in both the chart and the article?
- A. how they are made and which countries utilize them
- B. where they are located and how they work
- C. who makes them and for what purpose
- D. how much electricity they generate and where they are positioned
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The author emphasizes the functionality and geographical placement of wave-capturing devices, detailing how they operate and where they are situated. This focus helps readers understand the practical application and effectiveness of these devices in harnessing wave energy. Option A incorrectly suggests a focus on manufacturing processes and specific countries, which is not the primary emphasis. Option C misrepresents the content by implying a focus on the creators and their intentions rather than the devices' mechanics and locations. Option D, while mentioning electricity generation, overlooks the essential aspect of how these devices function and their specific locations, making it less comprehensive.
The author emphasizes the functionality and geographical placement of wave-capturing devices, detailing how they operate and where they are situated. This focus helps readers understand the practical application and effectiveness of these devices in harnessing wave energy. Option A incorrectly suggests a focus on manufacturing processes and specific countries, which is not the primary emphasis. Option C misrepresents the content by implying a focus on the creators and their intentions rather than the devices' mechanics and locations. Option D, while mentioning electricity generation, overlooks the essential aspect of how these devices function and their specific locations, making it less comprehensive.
Which sentence from the blog supports Rodriguez's claim that the Equal Protection Clause was too narrow in scope when first adopted?
- A. The Court even confirmed its prejudicial position in 1875 when it upheld state laws that extended the right to vote only to men.'
- B. Clearly, the Court was relegating as women to a second-class status.'
- C. The 14th Amendment, which was ratified in 1868, applied only to men.'
- D. This decision remained the law until ratification of the 19th Amendment, giving us women the right to vote, 45 years later.'
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A highlights the Court's 1875 decision to uphold laws that restricted voting rights to men, illustrating how the Equal Protection Clause initially failed to encompass all citizens, particularly women. This directly supports Rodriguez's argument about the clause's narrow scope. Option B, while indicating the second-class status of women, does not specifically reference the Equal Protection Clause or its limitations. Option C states that the 14th Amendment applied only to men, but it lacks context about the Court's decisions and their implications. Option D discusses the timeline of women's voting rights but does not address the initial constraints of the Equal Protection Clause.
Option A highlights the Court's 1875 decision to uphold laws that restricted voting rights to men, illustrating how the Equal Protection Clause initially failed to encompass all citizens, particularly women. This directly supports Rodriguez's argument about the clause's narrow scope. Option B, while indicating the second-class status of women, does not specifically reference the Equal Protection Clause or its limitations. Option C states that the 14th Amendment applied only to men, but it lacks context about the Court's decisions and their implications. Option D discusses the timeline of women's voting rights but does not address the initial constraints of the Equal Protection Clause.