La Prima Madre

The matriarchal influence in the hispanic culture has been predominant for some time.

In English Common Law, when a woman married she lost her right to own property in her own name. Spanish Law however, still afforded a wife rights independent of her husband. She retained property rights of land she held prior to the marriage and held 1/2 interest on community property held during marriage.

Women who no longer had a father or a husband had full rights of property and control over them. This was usually widows but sometimes single daughters whose father left land to them or even a few divorced women. 

In most Latin Cultures, women also keep their surnames. They have traditionally added their husbands name to theirs in a hyphenated new name. There is a new trend of women in today's cultures of not even adding their husband's surname at all.

More than 60 women obtained Spanish or Mexican Land Grants in Texas before 1848. 

First Lady Power

Dolley Madison (1849) was the first president's wife to have the title of First Lady and it has been used with every spouse since.

Many first ladies have been very Influential behind the scenes.
Sarah Polk (1845) secretly helped her husband write his speeches and gave him advise.

Edith Wilson(1915) actually assumed routine daily presidential responsibilities for her husband  when he had a stroke in 1919. She is referred to as the Secret President.

Eleanor Roosevelt(1933) was really the first openly influential president's wife. She was the first who turned the position from one of social entertaining to that of political involvement and philanthropy.

Hillary Rodham Clinton (1993) was the first President's wife that had her own political career independent of her husband before and after his presidential term.

Since the 1960's, First Ladies have been a different strain of wife than the U.S. capital had previously seen. In modern day administrations, they are expected to perform a full time and essential job to this country yet are not given monetary compensation for their duties.

Although a woman has not yet held the presidency, she does hold the President's respect and attention. 

The first lady of the United States is at the time of her term, the MOST powerful woman in this country.

Ω SHE'S GOT THE POWER Ω

Snap - I've Got The Power (KICKo Edit) by KICKo