IN THE FEDERALIST PAPERS 10 How did the 20th century developments of Primary Elections and Expansion of Suffrage move the United States from a...

The development of the primary election and the expansion of suffrage moved the United States toward a more democratic society. Before primary elections were held, party leaders chose the candidates of the party who were running for office. This limited the involvement of citizens in determining who their leaders would be. For example, the state legislatures used to choose United State Senators. This changed with the passage of the 17th amendment. With the direct primary,...

The development of the primary election and the expansion of suffrage moved the United States toward a more democratic society. Before primary elections were held, party leaders chose the candidates of the party who were running for office. This limited the involvement of citizens in determining who their leaders would be. For example, the state legislatures used to choose United State Senators. This changed with the passage of the 17th amendment. With the direct primary, anybody could run for an office. Party members would then choose their candidate.

The expansion of suffrage meant more people were voting. When more people are involved in the process of choosing their leaders, it allows for the expansion of democracy. In 1920, women got the right to vote. As a result, there was an expansion of the democratic process by allowing women to vote.

When more people are involved in democratic progress, this reduces the likelihood that factions will control the government and taint our public Administrations.