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North Carolina's 1776 Constitution
This stated that the government got it's power from the people and it gave more power to the General Assembly. America's independence led to this. This helped spread democracy because it set up the state's government. This also stated that the government got it's power from the people which is part of what democracy is. This also gave rights to those who have been accused of crimes. Also, this set up separation of powers which is also another important part of democracy. -
Seneca Falls Convention
This was the first women's rights convention that was lead by Elizabeth Stanton who wrote a document declaring men and women were equals. Her declaration was inspired by the Declaration of Independence. Even though this document did not allow women to vote, it eventually was the inspiration to allow women to vote. For this reason, it helped spread democracy. It was also a step towards gender equality. It is important because it directly effects me and other girls by being accepted as equals. -
15th Amendment
This gave voting rights to African Americans and it also gave Congress the right to enforce it. The Civil War and slaves being freed led to this. This is important because it gave African Americans more rights. It allowed African Americans more liberties and contributed to the idea of equality. It also helped the expansion of democracy because by allowing both whites and blacks to vote allowed more people to vote which is a step toward equality. -
Voting During Jim Crow
This set up ways that would make it very, very hard for African Americans to vote. The thing that lead to this was racism. This is important because it allows us to learn from the past. What happened in the past was very bad and can not be justified, but at least we can learn from it and know what happened was wrong. I can't really think of how it spreads democracy. If anything, it goes against democracy. -
17th Amendment
This allowed senators to be elected by voters. This was a result of disagreements between the two houses that lead to Senate seats empty for periods of time. This is important because it helps the idea that the government's power comes from the people. Also for that reason, this helps spread democracy. It also allowed seats in the Senate to be kept. Also, it allowed people to chose who they wanted in the Senate. -
19th Amendment
This gave women the right to vote and hold office. This was a result of women's petitions, parades, and protests. This is important because it gives women the right to vote and hold office which contributes to giving everyone equal rights. For this reason, it also contributes to democracy. Another way it contributes to democracy is it allows more people to vote and get involved with the government. It also allows more people to give consent to be governed. -
Indian Citizenship Act
This gave citizenship to any Native American born within the territorial limits of the country. This was a result of the Reconstruction period when some people thought that they should extend citizenship to more Native Americans. This helps spread democracy because it is allowing more people to be a part of our country. As more people become citizens the more people get involved with the government. Also, this allows more people to be able to vote.It also is just fair since they are native here. -
23rd Amendment
This allowed citizens in Washington D.C. the right to vote. This was the result of the citizens of Washington D.C. the right to vote. This is important because it allowed more people to vote. For this reason, it also helped spread democracy. The people in Washington D.C. could not vote because Washington D.C. is a federal district. This is also important because the citizens in D.C. were getting taxed without representation but after the amendment they got representation which spreads democracy. -
24th Amendment
This took away the need to pay when voting. This was a result of some places putting a fee on taxing so African Americans could not vote. This helps spread democracy because it makes it easier for everyone to vote. This also helps stop one of the negative effects that blacks face from racism. This also promotes equality. -
Voting Rights Act of 1965
This overcame legal barriers that have prohibited African Americans from voting in the past. More open-mindedness and the 24th Amendment led to this. This helped spread democracy because it allowed more people to vote. More people voting leads to more people participating in the government. This also promoted equality. This also gave African Americans more rights. -
26th Amendment
This lowered the voting age to 18. This was a result of people wondering why men from ages 18 to 21 can fight for our country but not vote. This spreads democracy because it allows more people to vote. This is important because if people are of age to fight for their country they should have a say in it. It also allows a younger voice to be heard. It was especially important when it was first added because the Vietnam War was going on and lots of people had a lot of questions about the system.