ERA facts for kids

ERA is a short word that can mean a few different things! It's like a shortcut for longer phrases. In this article, we'll look at two main meanings of ERA: one from the world of baseball and another from the history of laws in the United States.

What is ERA in Baseball?

In baseball, ERA stands for Earned Run Average. It's a very important number that helps us understand how well a pitcher is doing. A pitcher is the player who throws the ball to the batter.

How Does ERA Work?

The Earned Run Average tells us how many "earned runs" a pitcher gives up on average during a game. An earned run is a point scored by the other team that is the pitcher's fault. It doesn't count if the run happened because of a mistake (an "error") by another player.

Why is ERA Important?

A lower ERA means a pitcher is doing a better job of stopping the other team from scoring. For example, if a pitcher has an ERA of 2.00, it means they usually allow only two earned runs per nine innings (a full game). This helps coaches and fans see who the best pitchers are!

What is the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)?

The ERA can also stand for the Equal Rights Amendment. This is a proposed change to the United States Constitution. The Constitution is the main set of laws for the United States.

What Was the Goal of the Equal Rights Amendment?

The main idea behind the Equal Rights Amendment was to make sure that everyone in the United States has the same rights, no matter their sex. It aimed to stop any laws that treat people differently just because they are male or female.

When Was the ERA Proposed?

The Equal Rights Amendment was first written in the 1920s by a woman named Alice Paul. She was a leader who fought for women's rights. It was officially introduced to the U.S. Congress in 1923.

Why Didn't the ERA Become Law?

For an amendment to become part of the Constitution, it needs to be approved by a special vote. It must pass in both parts of Congress (the House of Representatives and the Senate). Then, it needs to be approved by a certain number of states. The ERA passed Congress in 1972, but it didn't get enough states to agree by the deadline. Because of this, it has not yet become a full part of the Constitution.

What is the Status of the ERA Today?

Even though the ERA didn't become law back then, many people still believe it's important. They continue to work to get it added to the Constitution. They believe it would help make sure everyone has fair and equal treatment under the law.

See also

In Spanish: Era para niños