THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL By Miss Holler

The Right to Vote  Because the Constitution did not specify who had the right to vote, each state was given the opportunity to choose who had suffrage.  Most states implemented the law of only white, land owning men were allowed to vote.  After the 1820’s most land owning laws fell by the wayside.  After the Civil War the federal government began to enact national voting laws.

The Right to Vote Continued..  After a long battle women were granted the right to vote in national elections in  The amendment that passed allowing women to vote was the 19 th Amendment.  African Americans followed and gained their right to vote shortly after women in  With the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, African American men and women were now allowed to vote.

The Right to Vote Continued..  18 year olds were next to fight for their right to vote.  Going with the Slogan “Old enough to fight, old enough to vote,” 18 year old began their battle to vote in  With the passage of the 26 th Amendment and the Voting Rights Act of 1970, 18 year olds were granted their right to vote.

The President’s Job  As the president is faced with one of the biggest responsibilities in the United States, he holds many powers. These powers are: 1. Commander in Chief 2. Chief Executive 3. Chief Diplomat 4. Ceremonial Head of State 5. Manager of Economy

Limits of Power  Because the president is such a powerful man, the government is set up so the president may not abuse his powers.  The Constitution was set up by a system of checks and balances.  Among these checks and balances are: 1. Congress 2. The Supreme Court 3. Impeachment

Definitions to Know  Suffrage- the right to vote in political elections  19 th Amendment- law enacted in 1920 granting women's right to vote  Voting Rights Act of law enacted granting African American’s right to vote  26 th Amendment- law enacted in 1970 granting 18 year olds right to vote  Commander in Chief- the president serves as commander in chief of the armed forces. During national crises and war, the power of the presidency has increased to include approval of military tactics, control over the economy, and authority to limit the civil rights of Americans at home

Definitions to Know Continued..  Chief Diplomat- the president has the power to make treaties with foreign governments and to maintain formal relationships with other nations. The president is expected to defend America’s security and economic interests and also to promote democratic principles and human rights around the world  Congress- the national legislative body of the United States

Definitions to Know Continued..  The Supreme Court- the highest judicial court in the United States  Impeachment- a formal document charging a public official with misconduct in office