What aspect of US democracy does this scenario illustrate?
In 1971, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the
Constitution was proposed. It ultimately failed because
not enough states ratified the amendment before the
deadline set by Congress. The amendment had seemed
headed for quick approval until a movement led by Phyllis
Schlafly mobilized homemakers to oppose the
amendment in their state legislatures, and the
amendment fell three states short of the 38 states
needed for ratification.
Congress can ratify amendments to the Constitution
without input from states.
• States will ratify amendments to the Constitution even
if citizens disagree with them.
Individuals can influence decisions on the ratification
of constitutional amendments.
• States can choose to ratify amendments to the US
Constitution when they want to.