Empowering Global Citizens

Part One
Suffrage in the United States

Activity 7.2.1

Warm-Up and Introduction to Suffrage Movements

The teacher gives each student a card with his or her “identity” on it. These
identities should vary by race, age and gender. Almost all of the cards should
represent people with the right to vote in a state or federal election. Include
around one card whose identity is seventeen years old and around one card
whose identity is a non—naturalized immigrant. Make sure that only two or
three students have identities that would have allowed them to vote in 1790.
Have all of the students stand up.

Then say the following: “The year is [current year]. All citizens of eighteen
years of age or older have the right to vote. If you do not have the right to

vote, please sit down.”
(The seventeen—year—old and the non—naturalized immigrant sit down.)
Then introduce the following scenarios:

“The year is 1919. Women are not allowed to vote. Native Americans are not
US citizens and are not allowed to vote.” (In 1920 the nineteenth amend—
ment was enacted and guaranteed women the right to vote; both male and
female citizens can vote. In 1924 Native Americans were granted citizenship
and the right to vote.)

“The year is 1869. African American citizens, though have been free since
the Civil War ended, are not allowed to vote.” (In 1870 the fifteenth amend—
ment was enacted and gave former slaves the right to vote; adult male citi—

zens of any race could then vote.)

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