Final answer:
Universal suffrage refers to the right of all adult citizens to vote without any kind of restriction or discrimination. It means that any adult, regardless of their social or economic status, race, or gender, has the right to participate in the democratic process and elect their representatives in government.
Step-by-step explanation:
Universal suffrage refers to the right of all adult citizens to vote without any kind of restriction or discrimination. It means that any adult, regardless of their social or economic status, race, or gender, has the right to participate in the democratic process and elect their representatives in government.
In the early 1800s, there was a push for universal manhood suffrage in the United States, which meant that all white male adults should have the right to vote.
This was a significant change from the property qualifications that were previously required in some states. By the late 1820s, almost all adult white men had gained the right to vote, marking the rise of American democracy and the Age of the Common Man.
Universal suffrage played a crucial role in expanding the electorate, increasing political participation, and shaping American democracy. It eliminated barriers to voting and ensured that the political system represented the diverse interests and voices of the people.