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
What is the function of the phrase 'On the other hand' in the last sentence of paragraph 11?
- A. It reinforces the positive image consumers have of local produce.
- B. It emphasizes the difference in the time it takes store-bought produce and local produce to get to consumers.
- C. It illustrates the dislike consumers have of store-bought produce.
- D. It distinguishes between consumers of store-bought produce and consumers of local produce.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The phrase "On the other hand" serves to highlight a contrasting point regarding the time it takes for different types of produce to reach consumers. This indicates a significant difference in freshness and availability between local and store-bought options, aligning with option B. Option A is incorrect because it does not focus on the time aspect; instead, it suggests a positive perception that is not the primary focus of the phrase. Option C misinterprets the phrase's intent, as it does not address consumer dislike but rather a comparison. Option D inaccurately suggests a distinction between two consumer groups, which is not the main emphasis of the sentence.
The phrase "On the other hand" serves to highlight a contrasting point regarding the time it takes for different types of produce to reach consumers. This indicates a significant difference in freshness and availability between local and store-bought options, aligning with option B. Option A is incorrect because it does not focus on the time aspect; instead, it suggests a positive perception that is not the primary focus of the phrase. Option C misinterprets the phrase's intent, as it does not address consumer dislike but rather a comparison. Option D inaccurately suggests a distinction between two consumer groups, which is not the main emphasis of the sentence.
How does paragraph 3 function in the article?
- A. It develops the general point made in paragraph 2 by giving specific examples.
- B. It presents a counterargument to a claim made in paragraph 2.
- C. It discusses general topics that are further developed by concrete examples in paragraph 4.
- D. It provides a transition between a controversial topic begun in paragraph 2 and finished in paragraph 4.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Paragraph 3 effectively supports the general point established in paragraph 2 by presenting specific examples that illustrate the broader claim. This approach enhances understanding by grounding abstract ideas in concrete instances. Option B is incorrect as paragraph 3 does not introduce a counterargument; rather, it reinforces the main idea. Option C misrepresents the function of paragraph 3, as it does not merely discuss general topics but rather focuses on specific examples. Option D fails to capture the essence of paragraph 3, as it does not serve primarily as a transition but as a means to elaborate on the preceding claim.
Paragraph 3 effectively supports the general point established in paragraph 2 by presenting specific examples that illustrate the broader claim. This approach enhances understanding by grounding abstract ideas in concrete instances. Option B is incorrect as paragraph 3 does not introduce a counterargument; rather, it reinforces the main idea. Option C misrepresents the function of paragraph 3, as it does not merely discuss general topics but rather focuses on specific examples. Option D fails to capture the essence of paragraph 3, as it does not serve primarily as a transition but as a means to elaborate on the preceding claim.
Which summary best describes the events found in paragraphs 1-4 of the excerpt?
- A. Don Quixote and Sancho seek to make their fortunes, and Don Quixote sees their opportunity when they discover a field of windmills. The field has thirty or forty windmills.
- B. Don Quixote and Sancho came to a field of windmills, which Don Quixote says are giants that he will destroy. Sancho tries to convince Don Quixote these are really windmills.
- C. Don Quixote and Sancho find a field of windmills. Sancho explains to Don Quixote that the wind blows the sails and turns the millstone.
- D. Don Quixote and Sancho discover a field of giants disguised as windmills. Don Quixote vows to defeat the giants, but Sancho is afraid and tries to convince Don Quixote not to fight.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B accurately captures the essence of the events in the first four paragraphs, highlighting Don Quixote's misinterpretation of the windmills as giants and Sancho's attempt to reason with him. This dynamic illustrates the central conflict between reality and illusion. Option A misrepresents the characters' motivations; they are not primarily seeking fortune but rather engaging in a fantastical quest. Option C focuses too much on the mechanics of the windmills, neglecting the dramatic tension between Don Quixote and Sancho. Option D inaccurately frames the windmills as giants rather than emphasizing Don Quixote's delusion, which is critical to understanding the narrative.
Option B accurately captures the essence of the events in the first four paragraphs, highlighting Don Quixote's misinterpretation of the windmills as giants and Sancho's attempt to reason with him. This dynamic illustrates the central conflict between reality and illusion. Option A misrepresents the characters' motivations; they are not primarily seeking fortune but rather engaging in a fantastical quest. Option C focuses too much on the mechanics of the windmills, neglecting the dramatic tension between Don Quixote and Sancho. Option D inaccurately frames the windmills as giants rather than emphasizing Don Quixote's delusion, which is critical to understanding the narrative.
What challenge does Burl face?
- A. the isolation in his work
- B. how to improve his health
- C. how to manage his time
- D. the survival of the hives
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Burl's primary challenge revolves around the survival of the hives, which is crucial for his beekeeping livelihood. This concern encompasses factors such as environmental threats and colony health, directly impacting his work. Option A, the isolation in his work, might be a factor but does not capture the central issue affecting his beekeeping. Option B, improving health, while important, is not Burl's main focus in the context of his responsibilities. Option C, managing time, is relevant but secondary to the urgent matter of hive survival, which ultimately determines the success of his beekeeping efforts.
Burl's primary challenge revolves around the survival of the hives, which is crucial for his beekeeping livelihood. This concern encompasses factors such as environmental threats and colony health, directly impacting his work. Option A, the isolation in his work, might be a factor but does not capture the central issue affecting his beekeeping. Option B, improving health, while important, is not Burl's main focus in the context of his responsibilities. Option C, managing time, is relevant but secondary to the urgent matter of hive survival, which ultimately determines the success of his beekeeping efforts.