"We have been driven to the conclusion that only through legislation can any improvement be effected, and that that legislation
can never be effected until we have the same power as men have to bring pressure to bear upon our representatives and upon Governments to give us the necessary legislation. . . . We are here not because we are law-breakers; we are here in our efforts to become law-makers." –Emmeline Pankhurst, October 21, 1908
Use the passage to answer the question.
Which statement best summarizes the main idea of the above quotation?
A. Women must have the right to vote in order to win improvements in their lives.
B. Women cannot reform society unless they run for higher office.
C. Women are justified in breaking the law if that will help bring them equality.
D. Women should be equal to men in every aspect of their lives.
Based on the excerpt, Emmeline Pankhurst is discussing how it is essential for women to gain the right to vote in order to improve their lives. Pankhurst makes the argument that legislation (aka laws) are what help to improve society. Since women could not vote as of this time, they had no ability to affect what laws were passed in society. This is why Pankhurst says that women should have the right to vote. If they truly want to change the world around them they must be able express their views and opinions.
