1. the Pressure for Change, THE BRITISH POLITICAL SYSTEM 1783 Flashcards
what was Asa Briggs opinions on patronage?
she thinks patronage was the key to holding the King and government together, through the King rewarding knighthoods and money in return for loyalty.
in 1783, what system was in place between the government and monarchy?
a constitutional monarchy
what is a constitutional monarchy?
a form of government in which the king rules the country, but his is restrained or limited by a constitution such as parliament
who was the King during 1783-1820?
King George III
what was the composition of parliament?
the House of Lords
the House of Commons
who was in the House of Lords?
- unelected hereditary peers
- had great political influence
what power did the House of Lords have over the House of Commons?
they can block measures proposed by the House of Commons
what was the House of Commons?
it was an elected assembly, full of gentry
who did the House of Commons represent?
represented the gentry and landowners
what was the flaw with the House of Commons?
there were several different groups and factions, making it hard to maintain a stable majority
who are the Privy Council?
they are the monarchy’s advisors which act as a bridge between the King and Parliament
what was the disadvantage of the Privy Council?
-members were appointed for life so it meant the council grew too large to manage
what was created as a result of the overpopulated Privy Council?
the cabinet
what was the name of the ‘leader’ of this cabinet?
First Lord of the Treasury aka Prime Minister
what were the two main political parties in the cabinet?
- The whigs
- the Tories
