Who opposed the ERA?

• A. The Supreme Court
• B. Phyllis Schlafly and other conservative religious groups, political organizations, and anti-feminists against ERA
• C. Supporters across the political spectrum
• D. The United Nations

Answer: (B)

Opposition to the ERA came from domestic political and ideological groups that feared changing traditional gender roles and the potential legal implications of the amendment. Phyllis Schlafly was the most prominent figure in this movement, organizing a nationwide campaign to defeat the ERA. She worked with conservative religious groups, various political organizations, and anti-feminist activists who argued that the ERA would disrupt family law, undermine protections for women, or force women into combat roles.

This view is distinct from the other options. The Supreme Court does not coordinate a single, organized opposition to constitutional amendments, and the United Nations isn’t a domestic actor shaping U.S. constitutional ratification battles. Supporters across the political spectrum, by definition, advocated for the ERA rather than opposing it.