Your Vote. Your Voice. Our Democracy: The 19th Amendment at 100

Law Day 2020

The year 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of ratification of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing women’s right to vote. This year’s Law Day honors the occasion with the theme “Your Vote. Your Voice. Our Democracy: The 19th Amendment at 100.” Law Day is celebrated every year on May 1 “to celebrate the role of law in our society and to cultivate a deeper understanding of the legal profession.”

To celebrate, the Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Institute is asking federal and state officials and leaders of the legal community about the importance of the Role of Law and the 19th Amendment. Starting with Law Day on May 1 we’ll be sharing these videos and adding more, so please check back often.

 
 

FMR. Al S.C. Chief Justice

Sue Bell Cobb

Alabama Bar President

Christy Crow

 

Governor of alabama

Kay Ivey

U.S. Senator

Doug Jones

 

Chief Judge | AL Middle

Hon. Emily Marks

U.S. Rep. | 2nd Dist.

Martha Roby

 

U.S. Rep. | 7th Dist.

Terri Sewell

Senior Judge | AL Middle

Hon. Keith Watkins

 

Discussion Questions

Use these questions to start a class discussion, frame a research topic, or as writing prompts for essays. Generally, these questions are meant to generate thoughtful explanations as responses, not a regurgitation of facts. The questions are based on the content of the videos above and information from the other resources linked below. You can download these questions as a .pdf here.

  • When was the 19th Amendment ratified, and what was its significance?

  • Why did suffragists (advocates for the 19th amendment) want to pass the 19th Amendment? Why were others opposed to it?

  • Could women in the United States vote before the 19th Amendment was ratified?

  • There were numerous groups and associations that advocated for women’s suffrage. Why was there more than one group if they all wanted the same thing?

  • What is the process for amending the Constitution? How are states involved (besides their Senators and Representatives in Congress)?

  • Why did the framers of the Constitution allow for it to be amended?

  • Why wasn’t women’s suffrage included when the framers wrote the Constitution?

  • What was the poll tax? How did it affect people’s voting rights?

  • What would the United States be like if the 19th Amendment had not been ratified?

  • What is the role of law in the United States? What about the rule of law? What does that mean?

  • How has the 19th Amendment had an impact on your life?

  • Are there other amendments that the United States should add to the Constitution? What are they? Why should they be added?

Further Resources on
Law Day and the 19th Amendment

Alabama State Bar: Women’s Suffrage History
Learn more about the 100th anniversary of ratification of the 19th Amendment with archival resources, videos and book lists about the movement for women’s suffrage.

Alabama Women’s Suffrage Centennial
Peruse a wide collection of historical resources about the women’s suffrage movement in Alabama and the 19th Amendment.

American Bar Association
Dive into Law Day with more information on the history of the event and resources for learning about each year’s theme.

The Black Suffragist
Read through biographical listings of some of the pioneering African-American women who sought the right to vote.

History.com: 19th Amendment
Gain an understanding of the movement leading up to ratification of the 19th Amendment with this overview of the events of the period.

Library of Congress
Use this research guide to do further research into each year’s Law Day theme.

National Parks Service: 19th Amendment
Learn more about the 19th Amendment and the women’s suffrage movement through a myriad of educational resources, including articles on important places related to women’s suffrage activity in each state, like this article on Alabama and the 19th Amendment.

National Women’s History Museum
View primary sources and educational resources on the women’s suffrage movement.

United States Courts
Dive into distance learning on Law Day with the U.S. Courts.

Women’s Vote Centennial Initiative
Celebrate and commemorate the 100th anniversary of ratification of the 19th amendment with resources provided by dozens of organizations “committed to preserving and honoring women's suffrage history.”