What was a reason for extending suffrage in the Constitution of 1789?

The decision to extend suffrage in the Constitution of 1789 was primarily driven by the desire to increase political participation among all white men. After the Revolutionary War, there was a strong sentiment towards promoting democratic ideals and ensuring broader representation in government. This movement recognized that limiting the right to vote exclusively to wealthy aristocrats would not align with the principles of a republic that the revolutionaries sought to establish.

By opening the voting rights to all white men, the framers aimed to create a more inclusive political environment that encouraged active participation from a larger segment of the population. This broadened suffrage was seen as vital for fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among citizens, thus encouraging civic engagement and the evolving practice of democracy in the fledgling nation.

The other options do not align with the primary motivations behind the suffrage extension. For example, while empowering soldiers post-war was significant, the notion primarily centered on the principles of democracy and equitable political participation rather than a direct benefit for soldiers. Additionally, establishing norms for voter eligibility is a more procedural element that reflects the outcomes of extending suffrage, rather than being a primary reason for it. Limiting voting to aristocrats runs counter to the very ideals of the Constitution that aimed to promote wider access to