In a series of speeches before her trial for breaking the law by voting in an 1872 federal election, susan b. anthony defender her action with these words: " is downright mockery (insulting) to talk to women of their enjoyment of the blessings of liberty while they are denied the use the ballot." this excerpt could support the thesis that susan b. anthony believed that denying the right to vote was a. an offense punishable by law. b. an example of the state's failure to enforce the constitution. c. a violation of the principles of the constitution. d. a way for political parties to exercise power.