Equality

Definition

Equality refers to the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities. In the context of US history, it often relates to social movements that fought for equal rights for all citizens regardless of race, gender or social class.

Analogy

Think of equality like a game of Monopoly. Regardless of who you are or where you come from, everyone starts with the same amount of money and has an equal chance to buy properties and win the game.

Related terms

Civil Rights Movement: A struggle by African Americans in the mid-1950s to late 1960s to achieve civil rights equal to those of whites, including equal opportunity in employment, housing, and education.

Women's Suffrage: The right for women to vote in elections; a right that was fought for during much of the 19th and early 20th century.

Equal Protection Clause: Part of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution providing that no state shall deny any person within its jurisdiction 'the equal protection of the laws.'