Question

for the equal rights amendment, 1970
by shirley chisholm
representative shirley chisholm, the first african american woman
elected to congress, gave this speech in support of the equal rights
amendment. she believed that the amendment would help women
win equality, both in society and in the workplace.
mr. speaker, house joint resolution 264, before us today, which
provides for equality under the law for both men and women,
represents one of the most clear - cut opportunities we are likely to
have to declare our faith in the principles that shaped our
constitution....discrimination against women, solely on the basis of
their sex, is so widespread that it seems to many persons normal,
natural and right....prejudice on the basis of race is, at least, under
systematic attack. there is reason for optimism that it will start to die
with the present older generation. it is time we act to assure full
equality of opportunity to those citizens who, although in a majority,
suffer the restrictions that are commonly imposed on minorities, to
women.
the argument that this amendment will not solve the problem of sex
discrimination is not relevant. if the argument were used against a civil
rights bill, as it has been used in the past, the prejudice that lies
behind it would be embarrassing. of course laws will not eliminate
which statement best describes the main idea of “for the equal rights
amendment” by representative shirley chisholm?
the country’s legal system should protect the
rights of women.
the passage of one amendment will not be
able to make a difference.
no law can erase the prejudice that exists in
people’s minds.
women are not appreciated for their
contributions to society.

Explanation:

The speech is in support of the Equal Rights Amendment to ensure women's equality. The first option states the legal system should protect women's rights, which aligns with the amendment's goal. The second option contradicts the speech's support for the amendment. The third option is about prejudice in minds, not the main idea of the speech. The fourth option focuses on appreciation of women's contributions, not the amendment's purpose.

Answer:

A. The country’s legal system should protect the rights of women.