Controlling idea Both men and women must be educated in order to have the same knowledge. Central ideas It is unexplainable that women cannot participate in government. Women should be free to decide for themselves what makes them happy. How do these two central ideas work together to build the controlling idea? Both support the idea that women must be allowed to participate in government. Both support the idea that men and women are equal members of the human race with unequal rights. Both support the idea that women would be less happy if they were able to participate in everything men can.