Final answer:
The expansion of rights in the United States reflects efforts to achieve framers' intent of democracy, characterized by a broadening suffrage that included Black Americans and women. However, it has been a complex journey, with historical contradictions like slavery and the oppression of minority opinions, indicating that while progress has been made, the journey towards an inclusive democracy is ongoing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Essay on the Expansion of Rights in the United States
The framers' intent behind the American democracy was founded on the Enlightenment principles of liberty, equality, and justice. While these principles were enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, the practical application of these values has historically been compromised due to the existence of slavery and the disenfranchisement of several groups. The classical liberalism that influenced the framers was revolutionary, prompting an expansion of suffrage over time. This expansion was significant yet incremental, with the 15th Amendment in 1870 extending voting rights to Black Americans, and the 19th Amendment in 1920 doing likewise for women.
The evolution of the American political system has been marked by efforts to balance the ideals of democracy with those of expansion and imperialism. The expansion of rights and suffrage faced challenges, such as the majority's potential to oppress minority opinions, as discussed by Alexis de Tocqueville. Nevertheless, historical transformations saw property requirements for voting discontinued, increasing white male political participation in the early 19th century. The 1840 presidential election epitomized the growth of mass democracy in the United States.
The American experience has been a continuous struggle to achieve the full vision of democracy envisioned by the framers. Groups such as women, African Americans, and other minorities fought tenaciously to gain and protect their right to vote and participate in government. Notwithstanding, the question remains: Has the expansion of rights in the United States truly fulfilled the framers' intent? While significant strides have been made, the journey towards a fully inclusive democracy remains ongoing. The expansion of personal liberty, as advocated by John Stuart Mill, and the countless battles for suffrage rights showcase both achievements and the complexities of evolving American democracy.