The concept denotes a form of enfranchisement where all adult male citizens within a given political system are granted the right to vote, irrespective of property ownership, wealth, or social standing. This contrasts sharply with earlier suffrage models that often restricted voting rights based on factors such as land ownership or tax payment. For example, in many 19th-century European nations, the ability to participate in elections was limited to a small percentage of the male population who met specific economic criteria.
Its implementation represents a significant step toward greater democratic participation and political equality. The extension of voting rights to a broader segment of the populace empowers previously marginalized groups, potentially leading to policies that are more responsive to the needs of the entire citizenry. Historically, the struggle for its attainment was often intertwined with broader movements for social and political reform, including labor rights and challenges to aristocratic privilege. The gradual adoption of this principle across different nations significantly altered the political landscape and influenced the development of modern democratic states.
