Pros and Cons of the Equal Rights Amendment Essay

Pros and Cons of the Equal Rights Amendment The Equal Rights Amendment began its earliest discussions in 1920. These discussions took place immediately after two-thirds of the states approved womens suffrage. The nineteenth century was intertwined with several feminist movements such as abortion, temperance, birth control and equality. Many lobbyists and political education groups formed in these times. One such organization is the Eagle Forum, who claims to lead the pro-family movement. On the opposite side of the coin is The National Organization for Women, or NOW, which takes action to better the position of women in society. Feminism is the most powerful force for change in our time. The Equal Rights Amendment has been a†¦show more content†¦Some supporters say that because womens salaries still lag behind men, we need an Equal Rights Amendment more than ever (Hennessey 3). The real issue, claim some supporters, is the right to bodily integrity, and without this basic right, women can have no true freedom (NOW 2) . Legal sex discrimination is not a thing of the past, and the progress of the last forty years is not irreversible without the protection of an amendment (Francis 1).Feminist claim that The ERAs most valuable effect would be the psychological victory it would provide women (Steiner 35). Women are underpaid in the workforce, required to pay higher insurance premiums and are half as likely as men to get pensions (NOW 4). Supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment remind us of a traditional assumption, ‘Men hold rights and women must prove that they hold them (Francis 2). Supporter claim amazement that, Even in the twenty first century, the United States Constitution does not explicitly guarantee that all the rights it protects are held equally by all citizens (Francis 4). Supporters of the Equal Rights Amendment believe that unless we put into the Constitution the bedrock principle that equality of rights cannot be denied or abridged on account of sex, the political and judicial vic tories women have achieved with their blood, sweat and tears for the past twoShow MoreRelatedThe Pros And Cons Of The Equal Rights Amendment1239 Words   |  5 PagesThe full text of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) reads as follows, â€Å"Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex† (qtd. in Stewart 33). These twenty-four words would become some of the most controversial of the twentieth century. Under the nineteenth amendment, American women obtained the right to vote in 1920. This amendment inspired Alice Paul to draft the first ERA which she then introduced to the United States CongressRead MorePros And Cons Of The Equal Rights Amendment1887 Words   |  8 Pages Should women be treated equal to any other person under the law? Should the United States of America abolish all legal differences of men and women? This is a very controversial topic and the discussion of this goes all the way back to the early feminist movement of the ninteenhundreds. Equality for women could be accomplished if the equal rights amendment is ratified by the states. The Equal Rights Amendment states, â€Å"Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the UnitedRead MoreThe Fourth Amendment Of The United States Constitution1327 Words   |  6 Pagesfourth amendment to the United States Constitution is part of the Bill of Rights, and was introduced to Congress by James Madison in 1789. The role of the Fourth Amendment is to prohibit unreasonable search and seizure and a warrant is to be required that is supported by probable cause. Even though the Amendment was introduced in 1789, it wasn’t adopted as an official amendment until 1792, because in December of 1791 three quarters of the states had ratified the amendment. The fourth amendment hadRead MoreWhy the Equal Rights Ammendment Was Defeated Essay763 Words   |  4 Pagessame rights as men, so they wanted to co nceive an amendment that would force people to treat them as equally as men and anyone else. This amendment was called the Equal Rights Amendment. On March 22, 1972, the equal rights amendment, E.R.A., was passed by the United States Senate and was sent to the states for ratification. Thirty states ratified the amendment but then a revolutionary turn took place and states were backing out of their ratification left and right. The Equal Rights Amendment was defeatedRead MorePros And Cons Of The Electoral College1308 Words   |  6 Pagesget to choose the president or vice president. This system completely ignores the popular vote and the will of the people. Richard Lempert, one of the writers of â€Å"The Pros and Cons of the Electoral College System,† states, â€Å"If democracy means majority rules, the Electoral College is an undemocratic institution† (â€Å"The Pros and Cons† 18). The Electoral College needs to be reformed because it is an outdated system, it takes power away from an individual’s vote, and gives more power to the â€Å"swing statesRead MoreTenure Of The K 12 School Systems884 Words   |  4 Pagesrequired for teachers in the K-12 school systems? Rights protected in the 1st and 14th amendment back up the tenure systems. The first amendment states, Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. Following, the 14th amendment states No state shall make or enforce any law whichRead MorePros and Cons School Uniform1515 Words   |  7 PagesPros and Cons of School Uniforms Trina Warren Liberty University Professor Mink GRST 500/501 June 17, 2013 Abstract The decision for school district to enforce school uniforms has been in existence since the 16th century. School uniforms were originally created for poor children; however, over time, schools saw uniforms as a way to bring students together. There has been debate whether uniforms improve academic success while reducing affiliation of violence. There is opinion and study thatRead MoreLegal Abortion: Arguments Pro and Con.984 Words   |  4 PagesAbortion: Arguments Pro and Con. Abortion is one of the most controversial issues in the world nowadays. Currently, abortion is legal in America, and many people believe that it should remain legal. These people, pro-choice activists, say that it is the womens right whether or not to have a child. However, there are many groups who are lobbying the Congress to pass laws that would make abortion illegal. These people are called the pro-life activists. Both pro-life and pro-choice activists referRead MoreThe Fight Over Assisted Suicide1746 Words   |  7 Pagesreasons depending on your stance on the issue. There have been challenges made based off the constitution, the right to privacy and moral reasons for both sides. While there have been many notable persons of interest during this time some have helped the cause as others have hindered progress. There have been attempts to challenge physician assisted suicide based off the Fourteenth amendment of the constitution and the Due Process Clause. Those in favor have argued that in not allowing people accessRead MoreGun Control : A Controversial Issue For More Than A Century1044 Words   |  5 Pagesand there is yet to be a definitive solution or consensus. Proponents of gun control believe there should be stricter regulations, and more in depth background checks before someone is allowed to purchase a firearm. Among other things, the Second Amendment was added to our Constitution because the founders believed the private ownership of guns was necessary for the protection of our liberties. California requires all gun sales to be transacted through a licensed dealer and to obtain a state license