Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) Debates Flashcards

What is the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)?

A plan to change the US Constitution to guarantee equal rights for men and women.

When did Congress approve the ERA and send it to the states?

1972.

How many states must ratify an amendment for it to become part of the Constitution?

Three quarters of the states, which is 38.

What does ratify mean in this debate?

To approve a change so that it becomes official.

What was the final deadline set for states to ratify the ERA?

1982.

Did the ERA get enough states by the deadline?

No. Only 35 states had ratified it.

Which group and leader were key in opposing the ERA?

Phyllis Schlafly and her STOP ERA campaign.

Name one argument used by ERA supporters.

It would give men and women equal rights in law.

Name one argument used by ERA opponents.

It could end some laws that protected women at work or at home.

What fear about the military did opponents raise?

That women could be drafted and sent to fight.

How did supporters try to win state votes for the ERA?

They wrote letters, held marches, and asked state politicians to vote yes.

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