About Ryan Miller Expertise I can answer questions on the history of classic and current liberal ideology. I can recieve questions about the United States of America and abroad. I can also answer questions pertaining to politics further to the left such as socialism and social democracy.
Experience I am a student in Political Science at The Ohio State University. I have read numerous books on the subject. Ranging from authors such as Noam Chomsky to Christopher Lasch, I can draw upon a vast base of knowledge.
Organizations I am a card carrying member of the American Civil Liberties Union.
Education/Credentials I am a student of Political Science at The Ohio State University.
Expert: Ryan Miller Date: 3/15/2003 Subject: US voting rights
Question I have got into an internet arguement with an American (I am British) about the relative merits of US and UK democracy. Before I attempt to blow him out of the water I would like to have some facts at hand !
1.When were women first allowed to vote in Presidential elections and were there age restrictions on female voters then.
2.When did Afro-Americans first recieve full voting rights in Presidential elections.
3. What is the minimum age for voters in the US today in Presidential elections and when was that age limit set.
Many thanks.
Mark
Answer the 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920, granting the right to vote without regard to sex
African Americans were given the right to vote shortly after the civil war( one of the 13-15 ammendmets) but much of the south passed legislation that disabled them to do so, such as black codes and jim crow laws, in fact even in the last presidential election many black men were not allowed to vote in florida because they were fasley identified as convicted felons
The minimum age to vote in America is 18, this was changed from 21 some time around the vietnam war based on the argument, "you can send me to fight, but I can't vote."
On a personal note the system of governance in the UK and US is similar but how much democracy is involved is certainly debatable
