Enfranchised

To be enfranchised means to be granted the right to vote, or more broadly, to be given a right or privilege, especially one that was previously withheld. It signifies the removal of restrictions that previously prevented an individual or group from participating fully in society, politics, or a specific activity. This can involve the extension of legal rights, freedoms, or the opportunity to exercise power. The term carries the weight of historical injustice and the process of overcoming discrimination to achieve equal standing. It often reflects a shift toward greater inclusivity and democratic principles, representing progress towards social and political equity. It signifies a change of status and opportunity, a transformation from exclusion to participation and empowerment.

Enfranchised meaning with examples

• The women's suffrage movement fought tirelessly, and in 1920, the 19th Amendment enfranchised American women, granting them the right to vote in all states. This pivotal moment fundamentally reshaped the political landscape and marked a significant victory in the struggle for gender equality, ensuring equal participation in the democratic process.
• After years of segregation and disenfranchisement, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 enfranchised African Americans, removing barriers that had long prevented them from exercising their fundamental rights, paving the way for greater political and social representation and a more just society.
• Following the revolution, the new constitution enfranchised all citizens over the age of eighteen, regardless of their wealth or social standing, establishing a more inclusive and democratic form of government and ensuring equal representation for all residents of the newly formed nation.
• The new policy enfranchised small business owners by providing them with access to government contracts, which previously were only available to large corporations. This policy helps empower a specific group to increase their economic power within a specific market and level out previous disadvantages.
• The organization worked diligently to enfranchise the marginalized community by providing education and resources to help individuals become active and engaged members of society, allowing them to advocate for their interests and shape the course of their own lives.