Charles Curtis began his career in law, practicing in Topeka after being admitted to the bar. He served as prosecuting attorney for Shawnee County, Kansas, before entering politics. Curtis was elected to the House of Representatives, where he promoted the cultural assimilation of Native Americans and authored the Curtis Act. He later served in the U.S. Senate, where he introduced the first version of the Equal Rights Amendment and became Senate majority leader. Curtis concluded his political career as vice president, where he was the oldest incoming vice president at the time.

Charles Curtis's political identity is marked by his advocacy for Native American assimilation, a stance that juxtaposes his personal background as a Kaw Native American. His legislative efforts, including the Curtis Act, reveal a calculated approach to integrating Native Americans into mainstream society, raising questions about the authenticity of his assimilationist policies. Curtis's introduction of the Equal Rights Amendment demonstrates an early commitment to gender equality, a surprising stance given the era's norms. His endorsement of the five-day work week during the Great Depression shows a unique economic strategy, blending progressive ideas with a notably optimistic rhetoric that contrasts sharply with the grim realities of the time.