What was a significant characteristic of the Equal Rights Amendment's legislative journey?

The legislative journey of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is marked by its introduction to Congress multiple times without successfully passing. Initially proposed in 1923, it gained traction in the 1970s but faced significant opposition, leading to numerous reintroductions while failing to be ratified in the timeframe originally established by its supporters. This struggle illustrates the challenges of amending the Constitution to ensure equality and highlights the historical context of women's rights and gender equality discourse during that era.

The reasons supporting the other options are less representative of the ERA's actual historical path. For instance, the amendment did not achieve easy ratification; it became a contentious issue with only a limited number of states ratifying it within the designated time frame. The scope of the ERA extended beyond workplace equality, aiming to eliminate all forms of discrimination based on sex, thus underscoring its broader implications for societal rights. Additionally, while there was some bipartisan support initially, the ERA ultimately became a polarizing issue, leading to significant divisions within political parties as it progressed through Congress and state legislatures.