Equal Rights Amendment

Definition

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution aimed at guaranteeing equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex. It was first introduced in Congress in 1923 and has been a crucial part of the push for women's rights, linking to broader civil rights movements that advocate for equality across various demographics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Equal Rights Amendment was introduced to Congress by Alice Paul in 1923 and was designed to eliminate legal distinctions between men and women.
2. The ERA gained significant momentum during the 1970s, supported by many feminist groups and activists who viewed it as essential for achieving gender equality.
3. Despite being passed by Congress in 1972, the ERA faced opposition and has not yet been ratified by the necessary number of states to become part of the Constitution.
4. The amendment's text is simple: 'Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.'
5. In recent years, there has been renewed interest in the ERA, with some states attempting to ratify it even decades after its original passage.

Review Questions

• How did the Equal Rights Amendment relate to the achievements of the Nineteenth Amendment and further women's rights movements?
  • The Equal Rights Amendment builds upon the foundation laid by the Nineteenth Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. While the Nineteenth Amendment was a significant victory for women's suffrage, advocates for the ERA sought to ensure that this progress was supported by legal equality in all aspects of life. The ERA aimed to address ongoing legal inequalities that women faced even after gaining voting rights, connecting it deeply to broader movements for women's rights and gender equality.
• What were some major arguments for and against the Equal Rights Amendment during its campaign in the 1970s?
  • Supporters of the Equal Rights Amendment argued that it was necessary to guarantee women equal protection under the law, addressing systemic gender discrimination. They believed it would promote fairness in areas like employment, divorce, and property rights. Conversely, opponents claimed that it could undermine traditional family roles, potentially eliminating protections that benefitted women, such as alimony and exemptions from military service. This debate highlighted differing views on gender roles and societal expectations during that era.
• Evaluate the impact of societal changes and political dynamics on the current status of the Equal Rights Amendment and its potential ratification.
  • The status of the Equal Rights Amendment reflects changing societal values around gender equality and women's rights over time. Political dynamics have also played a crucial role; while there has been renewed interest in ratifying the ERA in recent years, this is met with both support and opposition from different political factions. The ongoing discussions about gender equality in contemporary society have reignited debates about whether legal recognition through the ERA is necessary or if existing laws suffice. As cultural norms evolve, so does the conversation surrounding the ERA's relevance and potential impact on future legislation.

Related terms

Nineteenth Amendment: The constitutional amendment ratified in 1920 that granted women the right to vote in the United States.

Title IX: A federal law enacted in 1972 that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

Civil Rights Act of 1964:

A landmark piece of legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.