Petitioning offered a unique pathway for marginalized groups to influence Congress before suffrage expanded. This study analyzes the Congressional Petitions Database (1789-1949), tracking virtually every submission.
First, it reveals two pivotal unenfranchised constituencies—Native Americans and women—regularly petitioned during this period. Second, despite lacking voting power, Congress treated these petitions similarly to others from all demographic groups.
These findings demonstrate petitioning's crucial role as a representation mechanism for those excluded from the ballot.
