Study GuideAmerican Government–VoƟng and ElecƟons1.The Right to VoteIn a democratic society, voting is both aright and a responsibility. Each citizen’s vote carries equalweight, regardless of wealth or social status. The right to vote—also calledsuffrageor thefranchise—is the power to choose who governs. Although this right is fundamental today, manyAmericans were historically excluded from voting, and even now voter participation has declinedsignificantly since 1960.1.1Early VoƟng RestricƟonsUnder the Constitution, thestatesoriginally set voter qualifications. In the late 18th century, votingwas limited by the belief that only well-educated men of property could make sound politicaldecisions. As a result:•Onlywhite male property ownerscould vote•Poor white men, women, and enslaved peoplewere excluded1.2Universal Manhood SuffrageThe first major expansion of voting rights occurred during the1820s and 1830s, a period known astheAge of the Common Manor theAge of Jackson. During this time:•Property ownership requirements were eliminated in many states•Religious tests that excluded Catholics and Jews were removedThis led to what was calleduniversal manhood suffrage, though the term is misleading becauseAfrican Americans were still denied the vote in most states.1.3Expansion Through ConsƟtuƟonal AmendmentsSignificant expansions of voting rights came through constitutional amendments:•Fifteenth Amendment (1870):Prohibited denying the right to vote based on race, color, orprevious condition of servitudePreview Mode
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