Women in American Politics: History and Milestones

Gr 9 Up—Presenting the many roles that women have played in American politics since the country's founding, this thoroughly researched set opens with the earliest moments in the fight for women's suffrage. Though female political aspirations began in colonial America and scored a great victory with the passage of the 19th amendment, women's roles in politics did not end with the right to enter the voting booth. Weatherford goes on to provide great detail on women's shaping of the political climate in every office from the municipal level of mayor all the way to the highest court in the land. The book contains primary-source material that illuminates major figures. The first 18 chapters, covering such topics as "Female Officeholders Prior to the Nineteenth Amendment," "Governors and Lieutenant Governors," and "Interest Groups," present data, usually in the form of lists of women who served in a particular governmental role; a review of just how women achieved the offices discussed; and biographical information on key female officeholders. The final chapter offers a state-by-state guide. A solid addition.—Wayne R. Cherry, Jr., First Baptist Academy, Houston, TX