Political Rights of Women in the United States
"Although we weren’t able to shatter that highest, hardest glass ceiling this time, thanks to you, it’s got about 18 million cracks in it…You can be so proud that, from now on, it will be unremarkable for a woman to win primary state victories, unremarkable to have a woman in a close race to be our nominee, unremarkable to think that a woman can be the President of the United States. And that is truly remarkable." -From Hillary Clinton's concession speech
There are no laws prohibiting women in the United States from holding political positions. It was not always this way. During the 19th century, women did not have any political rights. Gradual steps were made, from the National American Women’s Suffrage Association in 1890, to the Women’s Social and Political Union formation in 1903. One particular period in U.S. history that needs to be remembered for what we can learn from it today, is the women's suffrage movement. It was in 1878 when Susan B. Anthony, with the assistance of Elizabeth Cady Stanton drafted the first proposed Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. But it wasn't until forty-two years later, August 18, 1920, that the women's suffrage movement took hold, and the Nineteenth Amendment was finally ratified. This amendment states: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”
Notable Dates in Women's Political History:
Presently, women hold many positions in the United States Congress (18.3%), Senate (20%), and House of Representatives (17.9%).
Notable Dates in Women's Political History:
- 1887: Susanna Salter was elected mayor of Argonia, Kansas – the first woman mayor in the country.
- 1896: Martha Hughes Cannon was elected to the Utah State Senate, becoming the first woman state senator.
- 1933: Frances Perkins, the first U.S. female Cabinet member, is appointed Secretary of Labor. This makes her the first woman to enter the line of succession to the US Presidency at number 11.
- 1984: Geraldine Ferraro (D) is the first woman nominated for Vice-President by either major political party in the United States.
- 2002: Nancy Pelosi is sworn in as the House Democratic Whip - the highest-ranking leadership position ever held by a women in the United States Congress at that time. She was later named Minority Leader.
- 2006: Nancy Pelosi is elevated to the position of Speaker of the House. She is the third highest ranking official in the United States government and the highest ranking female in US political history.
- 2007: Senator Hillary Clinton is the first woman to ever be considered as a top candidate (or even a serious one) for the US Presidency.
Presently, women hold many positions in the United States Congress (18.3%), Senate (20%), and House of Representatives (17.9%).
More than widely speculated, former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton has alluded that she will be running for President of the United States in 2016. With ample and unwavering support, Hillary Clinton already appears to be a fierce opponent.