Universal_suffrage

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Universal suffrage Universal suffrage This article is part of the Politics series Elections • • • • • • • • • • • Allotment (sortition) By-election Electoral fraud Show election Fixed-term election General election Primary election Indirect election Local election Referendum Criticisms of electoralism Terminology • • • • • • Apportionment Crossover voting Gerrymandering Redistribution (redistricting) Secret ballot Suffrage Subseries • Political party • Voting • Voting systems Lists • Elections by country • Election results by country • Electoral calendar Politics portal Universal suffrage (also universal adult suffrage, general suffrage or common suffrage) consists of the extension of the right to vote to adult citizens (or subjects) as a whole, though it may also mean extending said right to minors and noncitizens. Although suffrage has two necessary components, the right to vote and opportunities to vote, the term universal suffrage is associated only with the right to vote and ignores the other aspect, the frequency that an incumbent government consults the electorate. Historically, universal suffrage often in fact refers to universal adult male suffrage. The concept of universal suffrage originally referred to all male citizens having the right to vote, regardless of property requirements or other measures of wealth. The first system to explicitly claim to use universal suffrage was France which is generally recognized as the first national system to abolish all property requirements for voting. In theory France first used universal (male) suffrage in 1792 during the revolutionary period, although the turmoil of the period made this ineffective. France has used universal male suffrage continuously since 1848 (for resident citizens), longer than any other country. In most countries, full universal suffrage including women followed universal male suffrage by about ten to twenty years. A notable exception is France, where women could not vote until 1944. In the first modern democracies, the vote was restricted to those having adequate property and wealth, which almost always meant a minority of the male population. In some jurisdictions, other restrictions existed, such as restrictions on voters of a given religion. In all modern democracies the number of people who could vote increased gradually with time. The 19th century featured movements advocating "universal suffrage" (i.e. male) The democratic movement of the late 19th century, unifying liberals and social democrats, particularly in northern Europe, used the slogan Equal and Common Suffrage. The concept of universal suffrage does not imply any impropriety in placing restrictions on the voting of convicted criminals or mentally ill persons. Such restrictions exist in many countries with universal suffrage. Equally some universal suffrage systems apply only to resident citizens. Expanding suffrage The first movements toward universal suffrage (or manhood suffrage) occurred in the early 19th century, and focused on removing property requirements for voting. In the late 19th and early 20th century, the focus of universal suffrage movement became the removal of restrictions against women having the right to vote. 1 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Several countries which had enacted universal suffrage had their normal legal process, or their existence, interrupted during the Second World War. Many societies in the past have denied people the right to vote on the basis of race or ethnicity. For example, non-white people could not vote in national elections during apartheid-era South Africa, until the system came to an end with the first free multi-party elections in 1994. In the pre-Civil Rights Era American South, black people often technically had the right to vote, but various means prevented many of them from exercising that right. For example, the Ku Klux Klan formed after the American Civil War, mainly in order to intimidate black people and to prevent them from voting. Universal suffrage resident of the "electoral district" of Austria, and to vote in Graz municipal elections. He would, however, not be able to vote in Austrian (federal) elections, or Styrian (state) elections. Similarly, all locally resident EU citizens in the UK are allowed to vote for representatives of the local council, and those resident in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland may vote for the devolved parliaments or assemblies, but only British, Irish and Commonwealth citizens are allowed to vote for the British House of Commons. Notable dates for universal suffrage in the world States have granted and revoked universal suffrage at various times, including Brunei since 1962. Note: The table can be sorted alphabetically or chronologically using the icon. Disfranchisement Many states within the USA used to disenfranchise paupers, persons who either paid no direct taxes or those receiving public assistance.[1] There are also differing degrees of legal recognition of non-resident citizens: non-resident Italians have a representative at-large in the Italian parliament; U.S. citizens voting abroad vote as residents of the last state where they (or their parents) lived; Britons, however, cannot vote for their national parliament unless they have lived in the U.K. in the last fifteen years. A few nations also restrict those who are involved in the military or police forces, as it is in the case of Kuwait.[2] Many democratic countries, most notably Great Britain and France have had colonies, the inhabitants of which have not, or mostly not, been citizens of the imperial power, but subjects; subjects have generally not been entitled to vote for the imperial legislature. A peculiarly complex case is that of Algeria under the Fourth French Republic; Algeria was legally an integral part of France, but citizenship was restricted (as in the French colonies proper) by culture, not by race or ethnicity. Any Algerian could become a French citizen by choosing to live like a Frenchman; very few did. Citizens of an EU Member-State are allowed to vote in E.U. parliamentary elections, as well as some local elections. For example, a Briton living in Graz, Austria, would be able to vote in for the European Parliament as a Women suffrage The first women’s suffrage was granted in Corsica in 1755 and lasted until 1769. Women’s suffrage (with the same property qualifications as for men) was next granted in New Jersey in 1776 (the word "inhabitants" was used instead of "men") and rescinded in 1807. The Pitcairn Islands granted restricted women’s suffrage in 1838. Various other countries and states granted restricted women’s suffrage in the latter half of the nineteenth century, starting with South Australia in 1861. The first unrestricted women’s suffrage in terms of voting rights (women were not initially permitted to stand for election) in a major country was granted in New Zealand. The women’s suffrage bill was adopted mere weeks before the general election of 1893. South Australia first granted women suffrage and allowed them to stand for parliament in 1894. In 1931, the Second Spanish Republic allowed women the right of passive suffrage with three women being elected. During the discussion to extend their right to active suffrage, the Radical Socialist Victoria Kent confronted the Radical Clara Campoamor. Kent argued that Spanish women were not yet prepared to vote and, since they were too influenced by the Catholic Church they would 2 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Universal suffrage by country/territory Year 1792 1848 Country / Territory France France Notes Universal suffrage Universal male suffrage used in 1792, for the National Convention, enacted by law in 1793. Universal male suffrage reintroduced for Second Republic. Restrictions introduced to ensure voters’ residence in 1851. Universal male suffrage confirmed on creation of Second Empire in 1852 and used ever since. 1869 Wyoming, USA The first U.S. territory to allow women to run for the legislature and vote. Upon the state’s admission into the Union in 1890, Wyoming was the first U.S. state to grant women the voting franchise. Other Western states also had universal suffrage before 1920. Tavolara During its republican period 1886-1899, this small island country near Sardinia practiced universal suffrage. Later it became a part of Italy. Universal suffrage without distinction of sex or race; however, only whites could hold office. After 1906 it was jointly ruled by France and Britain and is now part of Vanuatu. With the inclusion of women becomes the first major nation to grant universal suffrage; however, women were not eligible to stand for parliament until 1919. Universal suffrage for Maori men over 21 granted 1867; extended to European males 1879.[3] Women’s suffrage, but not universal. First state to also allow women as candidates for parliament. Other Australian states followed 1899-1908. Indigenous Australians were allowed to vote, but this right was restricted for some of them from 1902 and not completely restored until 1963. The Commonwealth Constitution does not guarantee universal adult suffrage,[4] although three Justices in McGinty v Western Australia (1996) 186 CLR 140; 134 ALR 289 stated that the requirement did in fact flow from the Commonwealth Constitution, as interpreted today. As an autonomous Grand Duchy in the Russian Empire, including women, first nation to also allow women as candidates. The Finnish parliamentary election of 1907 was the first time when women were actually elected (19 of 200 MPs). Finland became independent with the same Universal Suffrage in 1917. However, universal suffrage was only extended to local elections after independence. Equal suffrage for men Including women, first independent nation to also allow women as candidates. First voting rights to anyone came in 1849, and the rules were changed a number of times. But it was not until the change of the constitution in 1915 that all men and women had influence on all chambers. 1886 1899 1889 Franceville 1893 New Zealand 1894 South Australia 1901 Australia 1906 Grand Duchy of Finland 1907 1913 1915 Austria Norway Denmark 3 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia 1917 Estonia Universal suffrage Two tiered elections were held, with 62 representatives from rural communities and towns elected in May-June and July-August, respectively. All women were granted the right to vote, and since 1920 a uniform federal franchise was created;[5] Last to enact women’s suffrage provincially was Quebec in 1940; status Indians gained the right to vote in 1960. All Men over the age of 21 were granted the right to vote Women over 30 had been given the vote in 1918 with some property restrictions and in 1928 universal suffrage for all. With the 1918 Soviet Constitution; direct voting and the lifting of some political restrictions not until the 1936 Soviet Constitution. After the Central Powers’ defeat in World War I universal suffrage including women. After the Central Powers’ defeat in World War I and the introduction of a democratic system, the Weimar Republic. Revoked during 1935-1945 by the Nuremberg Laws. The restrictions applied also to the territories occupied by the Nazis during World War II. The German Empire (and the North German Confederation before it) had had universal male suffrage since 1867/71, but only in federal elections; several constituent states, like Prussia, had had census suffrage and some, like Mecklenburg, had had no state elections at all. After the Central Powers’ defeat in World War I became part of the Soviet Union in 1920 1918 Canada 1918 1928 1918 1918 1918 1918 United Kingdom United Kingdom Soviet Union Austria Czechoslovakia After the Central Powers’ defeat in World War I Germany 1918 1919 Hungary Democratic Republic of Armenia Azerbaijan Democratic Republic Democratic Republic of Georgia Poland Luxembourg The Netherlands United States 1919 became part of the Soviet Union in 1920 1919 became part of the Soviet Union in 1921 1919 1919 1919 1920 universal male suffrage in 1917 Extended to women with the 19th Amendment in 1920. African Americans were legally given the right to vote by the 15th Amendment in 1870, but this was restricted in some areas, particularly the South, through paralegal methods until 1964, when the Civil Rights Act enforced the 15th Amendment, and the 24th Amendment ended poll taxing, thus removing all restrictions to the African American vote. Minimum voting age reduced to 18 by 26th Amendment in 1971. universal male suffrage 1911, female suffrage 1921 1921 Sweden 4 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia 1922 1922 Lithuania Republic of Ireland Universal suffrage As the Irish Free State in 1922, law adopted from British law having been part of the United Kingdom. Law subsequently carried over during changes in constitutional status in 1937 and 1949. 1925 1931 1932 1933 Newfoundland Joined Canada in 1949. Ceylon (now as Indian Tamils disenfranchised 1949 Sri Lanka) Brazil Spain Replaced the previous system of male suffrage, from 1891, which excluded homeless, women, priests, the military and illiterates. Suffrage for men practiced since 1869 to 1923 and in the Second Spanish Republic (1931-1936). In November 19, 1933 women were granted the right to vote. Revoked during Franco era (1939-1975) and recovered since 1977 and in the new Spanish Constitution. Last free elections held in 1990.[6] Universal suffrage including women introduced 1944 Universal suffrage for all males and females 18 or older Universal male suffrage 1912 for people 30 or older, 1918 for people 21 or older Universal male suffrage 1926 1933 1935 1944 1944 1945 1945 1947 Turkey Burma France Jamaica Italy Japan Republic of Universal suffrage under the Constitution of the Republic of China China (now on Taiwan) United Nations Provision of "universal and equal suffrage" in Universal Declaration of Human Rights [Article 21(3)] Israel South Korea Belgium India Argentina Ghana Greece All citizens as recognized by the Constitution of India, irrespective of race or gender. Universal male suffrage granted in 1912; universal women’s suffrage introduced in 1947. Universal suffrage granted for the 1951 legislative election. Universal male suffrage in 1864, with secret ballot; women given the vote in local elections since 1930 and in parliamentary elections since 1952. The first free general election in Indonesia and the only election participated by Communist Party of Indonesia. The resulting parliament only survived for one term until Soekarno, the first president of Indonesia issued a decree in July 1959 to disband the Parliament and elect entirely new parliament to which all members are appointed by the president. The victory of Union Party convinces the British to grant Malaysia’s Independence in 1957. Universal suffrage since the founding of the State of Israel. 1948 1948 1948 1948 1950 1951 1951 1952 1955 Indonesia 1955 Malaysia 5 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia 1956 1956 1963 1964 1965 Colombia Pakistan Iran Afghanistan Australia Reforms under Shah’s "White Revolution" Universal suffrage Electorate defined on the basis of adult franchise and Joint electorate. Constitution transformed Afghanistan into a modern democracy.[7] A murky constitutional history regarding the voting rights of Aboriginals of Australia was clarified and ratified at the federal government level and in subsequent state governments in the following years - see Human rights in Australia for more. Introduction of women’s suffrage at the federal level; for cantonal elections this was not completed until 1990. 1971 1976 1979 Switzerland Portugal European Community (now European Union) Liechtenstein Samoa South Africa 1984 1990 1994 universal suffrage not regarding race or colour of skin; Blacks and Coloureds were denied the right to vote during the Apartheid era (1948-1994) White women’s suffrage granted in 1930. Universal male suffrage in 1973, although parliament was suspended and dissolved in 1975 for approximately 30 years. Universal adult male suffrage since 1962, for citizens who are 21 or older, with the exception of those who, at the time of elections, serve in the armed forces and, citizens who have been naturalized for fewer than 30 years. Note: As of 2005, women who satisfy the age and citizenship requirements are allowed to vote provided both men and women vote in separate polling locations. Limited, will be fully expanded by 2010.[8] 1996 2002 2003 2005 Taiwan Bahrain Oman Kuwait 2006 2010 2008 U.A.E. Bhutan 2010 Qatar (planned) Municipal elections since 1999. vote for right-wing candidates. Campoamor however pleaded for women’s rights regardless of political orientation. Her point finally prevailed and, in the election of 1933, the political right won with the vote of citizens of any sex over 23. Both Campoamor and Kent lost their seats. [2] [3] [4] References [1] Robert J. Steinfeld, "Property and Suffrage in the Early American [5] Republic", Stanford Law Review, Vol. 41, No. 2 (Jan., 1989), pp. 335-376, p.335 et passim CIA - The World Factbook - Kuwait History of the Vote : Māori and the Vote Attorney General (Cth); Ex rel McKinlay v Commonwealth (1975) 135 CLR 1; 7 ALR 593 Dyck, Rand. (2004). Canadian Politics: Critical Approaches Fifth Edition. Thomson & Nelson. Toronto, Canada 6 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [6] BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | Country profiles | Timeline: Burma [7] BBC News | SOUTH ASIA | Profile: Exking Zahir Shah [8] http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/ 2333_E.htm Universal suffrage See also • Suffragette External links • Limited suffrage in England prior to the 1832 reforms • Finnish centennial celebration Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_suffrage" Categories: Civil rights and liberties, Elections This page was last modified on 17 May 2009, at 21:27 (UTC). 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