The concept that the people under a government should have a voice in selecting its leaders was a significant idea coming out of the 16th century's Age of Enlightenment.

The U.S. Declaration of Independence, 1776, declared the equality of all people, yet it was not until August 18, 1920, that women in the United States were officially recognized as equal participants in the nation's political process. On that date the 19th amendment was ratified, ending the long struggle for women's political suffrage in this country. Women are still battling for equality in business and the religious process.

--Flo Wineriter