Suffrage, Meaning, Evolution and Conditions of Exercising Suffrage

Topic Content:

What is Suffrage?

Suffrage is the right to vote in a public or political election. It is the inalienablenot capable of being taken away or denied. e.g. inalienable rights, freedoms, and liberties More right of citizens to vote in an election. This is granted to only qualified citizens who are of the voting age of the state and have met other qualifications as defined by the law of the state.

Other qualifications may include residency, mental balance, registration, property, sex, and education.

What is Franchise in Government?

Franchise in government is the political right of qualified citizens to vote and be voted for in an election.

The terms franchise and suffrage both refer to the same thing – the ability and right of someone to vote in an election.

History of Evolution of Suffrage:

Before 1900 different types of voting existed and suffrage was extended to a very selected few. Qualification of suffrage passed through several stages until age qualification was achieved in most countries.

(i) Nobility Suffrage/Membership of some Association: In the medieval age in Europe,