Which ideas from the Declaration of Independence support women’s suffrage.

Question

“We hold these Truths to be self evident”
“Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness”
“Governments are instituted among Men”
“deriving their just powers from the Consent of the Governed”
Please help with answers.

Answer 1

The Declaration of Independence articulated several foundational principles that can be interpreted to support women's suffrage. Here’s how each of those key ideas relates to the movement for women's rights, including the right to vote:

1. “We hold these Truths to be self evident”: This phrase emphasizes the idea that certain truths are obvious and undeniable. Advocates of women's suffrage could argue that it is self-evident that all individuals, regardless of gender, deserve equal rights, including the right to vote. This idea supports the notion that women's rights are inherent and should be recognized without question.

2. “Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness”: This phrase highlights the essential rights that all individuals should have. Women seeking suffrage would argue that their ability to participate in government and make choices that affect their lives is a fundamental aspect of liberty and happiness. Denying women the right to vote undermines these core principles and limits their freedom and opportunity in society.

3. “Governments are instituted among Men”: At the time, "men" referred to people in general, but it has been interpreted over time to highlight that governmental power derives from societal consent. Women suffragists would assert that if governments are established by the consent of those governed, then women, being half of the population, should also have a voice in that consent through voting. This calls for the inclusion of women in the political process.

4. “Deriving their just powers from the Consent of the Governed”: This principle asserts that legitimate government authority comes from the consent of those it governs. Women suffragists could argue that if women are not allowed to vote, then they are not giving their consent to be governed, which is unjust. Therefore, including women in the electoral process is essential for a truly representative and just government.

In summary, these key ideas from the Declaration of Independence provide a strong philosophical foundation for advocating women's suffrage by asserting the inherent rights of all individuals, the importance of liberty, and the necessity of consent in government.

Answer 2

It’s “deriving their just power from the Consent of the Governed”.

Answer 3

Thank you for the clarification! Let's discuss how the phrase “deriving their just powers from the Consent of the Governed” specifically supports the argument for women's suffrage:

“Deriving their just powers from the Consent of the Governed”

1. Foundation of Legitimate Authority: This phrase asserts that governments gain their authority and legitimacy from the consent of those they govern. For women suffragists, this point underscores the idea that for a government to truly represent its citizens, it must include everyone who is governed. Since women are part of the governed population, they must be allowed to give their consent through voting.

2. Inclusion and Representation: If a government is only accounting for the voices of one gender (men) while excluding another (women), it challenges the very premise of just governance. Women's suffrage proponents argued that all citizens should have equal representation in decision-making processes that affect their lives. To deny women the right to vote is to deny them a voice and thereby a form of representation in governance.

3. Equality in Rights: The call for consent implies equality among all individuals regarding their rights. Women, as equal members of society, should hold the same rights as men, including the right to participate in the electoral process. The failure to grant women this right is seen as a violation of the fundamental principles of democracy and justice.

4. Social Contract: The idea of consent in governance also relates to the social contract theory, where individuals agree to form societies and govern themselves. Women suffragists would argue that to enter this social contract, women must also have a say in how they are governed.

In summary, the principle of “deriving their just powers from the Consent of the Governed” serves as a powerful argument for women's suffrage. It underscores the necessity of inclusivity in governance, equality in rights, and the importance of ensuring that all individuals who are governed have a say in the decisions that affect their lives.