Group discussion question

   Susan B. Anthony argues that state laws that allow only men to vote are unconstitutional and contrary to the founding principles of the United States.  She uses the phrases of the Preamble of the Constitution ("We the People...") to show that women were not meant to be excluded by those famous words.
 
   The Constitution allows states to set qualifications for voting, but Anthony declares that "it is a downright mockery" to talk about liberty when women are denied the ballot.  Such disfranchisement, she says, "is a violation of the supreme law of the land."
   In fact, Anthony declares, denying women the right to vote means the U.S. is not a democracy at all, but "the most hateful aristocracy ever established on the face of the globe."  It is a harsh assessment, and certainly falls short of historical accuracy, but captures the intense frustration she felt at the injustice of her situation.

   Amelia Bloomer's essay is less inflammatory, although the point is the same.  She knows that gender roles are set by custom, which can be very rigid indeed.  But she points out that custom can change, and even look perfectly proper once people accept the new pattern.  Her example is Elizabeth Blackwell, who became a medical doctor at a time when that was thought improper for a woman. 
   Bloomer argues that women should be allowed "wherever duty or interest may call her," including the voting booth.  Once they do start voting, Bloomer says, objections "will vanish away."