Before 1920, which dictated women's voting eligibility in the U.S.?

Before 1920, which dictated women's voting eligibility in the U.S.?

• A. Federal law
• B. State laws
• C. Local ordinances
• D. Judicial rulings

Answer: (B)

Before 1920, women's voting eligibility in the United States was primarily determined by state laws. This means that each state had the authority to establish its own voting regulations, including laws that either allowed or barred women from voting. The absence of a federal law establishing women's suffrage meant that states individually decided the matter, leading to a patchwork of differing laws across the country. In some states, women were granted the right to vote in certain elections or under specific conditions, while in others, they were completely excluded. It wasn't until the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920 that a standard was established nationwide, prohibiting any state from denying the right to vote based on sex. Hence, focusing on state laws provides a clearer understanding of the legal landscape surrounding women's voting rights prior to this significant constitutional change.

Before 1920, women's voting eligibility in the United States was primarily determined by state laws. This means that each state had the authority to establish its own voting regulations, including laws that either allowed or barred women from voting. The absence of a federal law establishing women's suffrage meant that states individually decided the matter, leading to a patchwork of differing laws across the country.

In some states, women were granted the right to vote in certain elections or under specific conditions, while in others, they were completely excluded. It wasn't until the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920 that a standard was established nationwide, prohibiting any state from denying the right to vote based on sex. Hence, focusing on state laws provides a clearer understanding of the legal landscape surrounding women's voting rights prior to this significant constitutional change.