19th Amendment
Constitutional amendmentAbout
The 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution is a landmark legislation that guarantees women the right to vote. It was proposed by Congress on June 4, 1919, and ratified on August 18, 1920, when Tennessee became the 36th state to approve it. 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." It marked a significant victory in the long struggle for women's suffrage, which began in the mid-19th century. The amendment's passage was the culmination of decades of activism, including protests, lobbying, and civil disobedience. Despite its achievement, the amendment did not immediately grant voting rights to all women, as racial and ethnic minorities faced ongoing discrimination. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 further expanded voting protections. The 19th Amendment remains a crucial milestone in the broader fight for equality and civil rights in the United States.
