Final answer:
The process of enfranchisement in U.S. history has involved a slow and deliberate evolution, facilitated by constitutional amendments such as the 15th, 19th, and 26th Amendments, and supported by congressional legislation to ensure a more inclusive democratic process, despite challenges such as voter suppression.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process to enfranchise more people in United States history has evolved significantly through a series of constitutional amendments and legislative changes that have taken place over many decades. While some of the most impactful amendments regarding the expansion of suffrage—such as the 15th Amendment (race), 19th Amendment (gender), and 26th Amendment (age)—were ratified as a response to societal shifts and demands for inclusive democracy, others addressed different aspects of governance and rights.
The amendment process, as outlined in Article V of the Constitution, requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress to propose an amendment or a convention called by two-thirds of the states. For ratification, three-fourths of state legislatures must agree. This intentionally rigorous process ensures that amendments are considered carefully and have broad support, contributing to the Constitution's resilience and relevance. In total, out of thousands of proposals, only 27 amendments have been ratified, depicting the deliberate pace of constitutional change.
Congress has also enacted laws to support voting rights, sometimes in the face of ongoing challenges such as voter suppression. Through these historical developments, the U.S. has slowly but progressively sought to create a more inclusive society where more citizens can participate in the electoral process.