universal suffrage
Quick Summary
Universal suffrage is the right of all adult citizens to vote in elections. This concept is fundamental to representative government, serving as the primary means by which citizens hold their governments accountable.12
Historically, the right to vote was limited to privileged groups. Over time, there has been a gradual expansion to include the entire adult population, a process that has varied across different countries and often excluded women, racial or ethnic minorities, and those without property or literacy.234
In democracies, universal adult suffrage is considered an inalienable right of citizenship, ensuring that governments reflect the will of the people.2
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