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…
How does Anthony respond to conflicting viewpoints about Universal Suffrage?
- A. by revealing the many challenges that were overcome to build the nation
- B. by referring to the principles on which the country was founded
- C. by pointing out the revolutionary changes that equality would inspire
- D. by explaining the benefits related to property holders and taxation
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Anthony addresses conflicting viewpoints about Universal Suffrage by referring to the foundational principles of equality and democracy upon which the country was established. This approach emphasizes the moral and ethical basis for suffrage, reinforcing the idea that all citizens deserve a voice in governance. Option A is incorrect as it focuses on historical challenges rather than the core principles of democracy. Option C, while relevant, highlights the potential outcomes of equality rather than the philosophical grounding needed for suffrage. Option D incorrectly centers on economic benefits for a specific group, which diverges from the broader argument for universal rights.
Anthony addresses conflicting viewpoints about Universal Suffrage by referring to the foundational principles of equality and democracy upon which the country was established. This approach emphasizes the moral and ethical basis for suffrage, reinforcing the idea that all citizens deserve a voice in governance. Option A is incorrect as it focuses on historical challenges rather than the core principles of democracy. Option C, while relevant, highlights the potential outcomes of equality rather than the philosophical grounding needed for suffrage. Option D incorrectly centers on economic benefits for a specific group, which diverges from the broader argument for universal rights.
Other Related Questions
Nobody was ever hurt by goin' to a circus. Why, law me! I remember I went to one myself once, when I was little.' Based on the excerpt, which key inference about Hester do the sentences support?
- A. She has a sarcastic perspective when thinking about her past
- B. She is frustrated with her husband and sons
- C. She is worried about the overwork of her sons.
- D. She has a permissive side that contrasts with her typical sternness
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The excerpt reveals Hester's nostalgic recollection of attending a circus, suggesting a lighter, more permissive side to her character, contrasting with her usual stern demeanor. This indicates that she values joyful experiences, especially in her past. Option A misinterprets her tone; there's no sarcasm present. Option B lacks support from the text, as it focuses on her past experience rather than frustration. Option C also does not align with the excerpt, which doesn’t mention her sons' workload or express concern about it. Thus, the focus on a joyful memory highlights her more lenient nature.
The excerpt reveals Hester's nostalgic recollection of attending a circus, suggesting a lighter, more permissive side to her character, contrasting with her usual stern demeanor. This indicates that she values joyful experiences, especially in her past. Option A misinterprets her tone; there's no sarcasm present. Option B lacks support from the text, as it focuses on her past experience rather than frustration. Option C also does not align with the excerpt, which doesn’t mention her sons' workload or express concern about it. Thus, the focus on a joyful memory highlights her more lenient nature.
In her blog, Rodriguez writes from the perspective of a student who is
- A. campaigning in a student election.
- B. commenting on a famous suffragist.
- C. advocating for women's rights.
- D. documenting an event.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Rodriguez’s blog focuses on the experiences and challenges faced by women, highlighting the importance of advocating for women's rights. This perspective aligns with option C, as it emphasizes activism and social justice. Option A, campaigning in a student election, is too narrow and does not capture the broader theme of women's rights. Option B, commenting on a famous suffragist, suggests a historical analysis rather than a personal advocacy stance. Option D, documenting an event, implies a neutral observation rather than an active promotion of women's rights. Thus, option C best reflects the intent and perspective of Rodriguez's writing.
Rodriguez’s blog focuses on the experiences and challenges faced by women, highlighting the importance of advocating for women's rights. This perspective aligns with option C, as it emphasizes activism and social justice. Option A, campaigning in a student election, is too narrow and does not capture the broader theme of women's rights. Option B, commenting on a famous suffragist, suggests a historical analysis rather than a personal advocacy stance. Option D, documenting an event, implies a neutral observation rather than an active promotion of women's rights. Thus, option C best reflects the intent and perspective of Rodriguez's writing.
What is one theme of this excerpt?
- A. Wealth is not always determined by money.
- B. Early music education builds character.
- C. Personal appearances do not always indicate worth.
- D. Early memories are enduring.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
The theme of enduring early memories highlights how formative experiences shape our identities and perceptions throughout life. This notion resonates with many, as childhood memories often leave lasting impressions. Option A, while insightful, suggests a focus on wealth, which is not the primary theme. Option B addresses music education, which may be relevant but does not capture the essence of memory. Option C discusses appearances and worth, diverging from the central idea of memory's lasting impact. Thus, the emphasis on early memories aligns most closely with the excerpt’s theme.
The theme of enduring early memories highlights how formative experiences shape our identities and perceptions throughout life. This notion resonates with many, as childhood memories often leave lasting impressions. Option A, while insightful, suggests a focus on wealth, which is not the primary theme. Option B addresses music education, which may be relevant but does not capture the essence of memory. Option C discusses appearances and worth, diverging from the central idea of memory's lasting impact. Thus, the emphasis on early memories aligns most closely with the excerpt’s theme.
Which conclusion is supported by the story?
- A. Burl will ask the widows to keep watch to protect the honey from thieves.
- B. Burl will make an attempt to better market his honey to consumers.
- C. Burl will continue to independently produce honey.
- D. Burl will work persistently to discover who took his honey.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The conclusion that Burl will continue to independently produce honey is supported by his determination and passion for beekeeping demonstrated throughout the story. This reflects his commitment to maintaining his craft despite challenges. Option A is incorrect as there is no indication that Burl seeks help from the widows for protection. Option B, while plausible, lacks direct support in the narrative, which focuses more on his production than marketing strategies. Option D suggests a shift in focus towards investigation rather than production, which contradicts Burl's established dedication to his craft.
The conclusion that Burl will continue to independently produce honey is supported by his determination and passion for beekeeping demonstrated throughout the story. This reflects his commitment to maintaining his craft despite challenges. Option A is incorrect as there is no indication that Burl seeks help from the widows for protection. Option B, while plausible, lacks direct support in the narrative, which focuses more on his production than marketing strategies. Option D suggests a shift in focus towards investigation rather than production, which contradicts Burl's established dedication to his craft.