What is suffrage?

Suffrage refers specifically to the right to vote in political elections. This concept is fundamental to democratic societies, where citizens have the ability to participate in the governmental process by electing representatives and influencing legislation through their voting power. The term has historical significance, particularly when discussing movements that aimed to expand voting rights to various groups who were previously disenfranchised, such as women and minorities. This emphasizes the importance of suffrage in promoting equality and democratic participation.

The other choices pertain to different rights protected by legal and constitutional frameworks. The right to bear arms relates to gun ownership, the right to free speech pertains to the freedom of expressing thoughts and opinions, and the right to a fair trial is associated with due process in the legal system. Each of these rights plays a crucial role in a democratic society but does not align with the definition of suffrage.