Enforcement of 19th

The Constitution established a national government of limited powers. After the Civil War, the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments were the first major attempts to expand the national government's powers since the nation's founding. The 19th Amendment followed suit, granting Congress new powers to pass laws protecting women from gender discrimination in voting.

Local control over voting
A national role in voting rights
Securing voting rights for all women
Dec 7, 1868
Sen. Pomeroy brings Kansas proposal to the Senate

The basis of suffrage in the United States shall be that of citizenship, and all native or naturalized citizens shall enjoy the same rights and privileges of the elective franchise; but each State shall determine by law the age of the citizen and the time of residence required for the exercise of the right of suffrage, which shall apply equally to all citizens, and also shall make all laws concerning the time, places, and manner of holding elections.

Dec 8, 1868
Rep. Julian proposes universal suffrage

The right of suffrage in the United States shall be based upon citizenship, and shall be regulated by Congress; and all citizens of the United States, whether native or naturalized, shall enjoy this right equally, without any distinction or discrimination whatever founded on race, color, or sex.

Mar 15, 1869
Rep. Julian proposes women's suffrage

The right of suffrage in the United States shall be based upon citizenship, and shall be regulated by Congress; and all citizens of the United States, whether native or naturalized, shall enjoy this right equally, without any distinction or discrimination whatever founded on sex.

Jan 10, 1878
Sen. Sargent introduces a women's suffrage amendment

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Jul 10, 1882
Rep. White supports taking action on women's suffrage

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. The Congress shall have power by appropriate legislation to enforce the provisions of this article.

Mar 28, 1884
Senate committee recommends amendment

The right of suffrage in the United States shall be based on citizenship, and the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States, or by any State, on account of sex, or for any reason not equally applicable to all citizens of the United States. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Mar 19, 1914
Sen. Vardaman pushes for state control of voting

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. But in all other respects the right of citizens to vote shall be controlled by the State wherein they reside.

Jun 4, 1919
19th Amendment Final Text

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.