The 19th Amendment Explained

The 19th Amendment is part of the U.S. Constitution. It protects the right of U.S. citizens to vote regardless of sex.

"The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex."

Who Does the Nineteenth Amendment Protect?

The Federal Government

The federal government cannot deny or limit a U.S. citizen's right to vote because of sex.

State Governments

State governments cannot deny or limit a U.S. citizen's right to vote because of sex.

Private Businesses and Organizations

The 19th Amendment generally does not apply directly to private businesses or private organizations because it limits government action. Other federal and state laws may address discrimination by private organizations.

The People

U.S. citizens are protected from being denied or limited in their right to vote because of sex.

What Does the Nineteenth Amendment Protect?

The 19th Amendment protects voting rights regardless of sex.

1. Prevents the federal government from denying or limiting voting rights because of sex.
2. Prevents state governments from denying or limiting voting rights because of sex.
3. Gives Congress the power to enforce the amendment through federal law.

How Does the Nineteenth Amendment Protect People?

Federal and state governments cannot create or enforce voting rules that deny or limit a U.S. citizen's right to vote because of sex.

For example, a state cannot make a law stating that men can vote but women cannot.

Congress may pass laws to enforce the protections established by the amendment.

Where Does the Nineteenth Amendment Apply?

The 19th Amendment applies throughout the United States.

Voting

Protects the right to vote regardless of sex.

Elections

Applies to federal, state, and local elections conducted by government authorities.

Election Laws

Applies to government laws and rules that determine who may vote.

Why Was the Nineteenth Amendment Established?

The 19th Amendment was created to prevent the federal government and state governments from denying or limiting a citizen's right to vote because of sex.

For much of U.S. history, women were denied the right to vote in many states.

The women's suffrage movement worked for decades to change these laws and give women the right to vote.

When Was the Nineteenth Amendment Approved?

The 19th Amendment was approved on August 18, 1920.

It was proposed by Congress on June 4, 1919, and approved by the states about 1 year and 2 months later.

Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the amendment, providing the three-fourths majority needed for ratification at the time.

The amendment became part of the Constitution on August 26, 1920, when U.S. Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby certified it.