“Suffrage” refers to the right to vote in political elections. It is the legal and formal privilege granted to eligible citizens of a country, allowing them to participate in the democratic process by casting their ballots to elect representatives or make decisions on various issues through referendums.
Suffrage is a fundamental aspect of democratic societies, providing citizens with the opportunity to have a say in their government and to influence policies and legislation. Throughout history, the expansion of suffrage has been a key element of the struggle for civil rights and political representation, as marginalized groups have fought for their voting rights.
There have been various historical milestones in the expansion of suffrage, such as the women’s suffrage movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which sought to secure voting rights for women. Other suffrage movements aimed to eliminate discriminatory practices, such as racial segregation and voting restrictions based on property ownership or income.
Equivalent in Indonesian: In Indonesian, the equivalent term for “suffrage” is “hak pilih” or “hak suara.”
Sample sentences using the term “suffrage”:
- The suffrage movement in the 20th century paved the way for women to gain the right to vote in many countries.
- Universal suffrage grants all eligible citizens the right to participate in elections, regardless of their background or identity.
- The civil rights movement in the United States fought for suffrage for African Americans, leading to the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
- The suffrage of minorities and marginalized groups is crucial for achieving more inclusive and representative governance.
- Countries with a history of authoritarian rule often experience challenges in establishing fair and equal suffrage.
- The expansion of suffrage to young adults was a significant milestone in many democracies.
- Voter education plays a vital role in ensuring that citizens understand their suffrage rights and the importance of participating in elections.
- The right to suffrage is enshrined in many national constitutions as a fundamental democratic principle.
- The suffrage movement faced opposition from those who sought to maintain existing power structures and prevent democratic reforms.
- Efforts to suppress suffrage through voter disenfranchisement and restrictive voting laws have drawn criticism from human rights advocates.
Lists of related words: Synonyms:
- Voting rights
- Franchise
- Enfranchisement
- Electorate
- Ballot
Antonyms:
- Disenfranchisement
- Voter suppression
- Voter exclusion
Related words:
- Democracy
- Representation
- Citizen participation
- Political engagement
- Voter registration
Phrasal verbs:
- Exercise (as in “citizens exercise their suffrage rights during elections”)
- Cast (as in “voters cast their suffrage in favor of their preferred candidates”)
Idioms:
- Go to the polls
- Have a voice in the matter
Conclusion: Suffrage is the right to vote in political elections, a fundamental aspect of democratic societies that empowers citizens to participate in the decision-making process. It has been historically significant in the fight for civil rights and political representation, as various suffrage movements have sought to expand voting rights to marginalized groups. Ensuring fair and equal suffrage is crucial for creating inclusive and representative governance, enabling citizens to have a meaningful say in shaping the policies and direction of their countries. Understanding the concept of suffrage is essential for appreciating the evolution of democratic principles and the ongoing struggle for political participation and human rights.
