British Political System Flashcards
Patronage
The right to give privileges or make appointments. The King had the power of patronage over many important appointments. Could fill Parliament with men who would support his policies.
Constitutional Monarchy
Political power was shared between the King, the House of Lords and the House of Commons
Who was the King in 1783?
King George III
What power did the monarch have over Parliament?
- Influenced general policy as head of state.
- Was able to choose and dismiss his ministers.
- Had the right to dissolve Parliament, but could not rule without it.
Who were the Lords made up of in 1783?
Unelected hereditary peers and the ruling elite
What could the Lords do?
Block measures that were passed by the commons.
What was the bridge between the King and Parliament known as?
The Privy Council
What emerge in place of the Privy Council when it became too large?
A group of ministers knows as the Cabinet.
Who were the two main political groups in 1783?
The Whigs and the Tories.
Why was George III’s position weakened in 1782?
The loss of the American colonies and the crisis surrounding it.
Who became Prime Minister in 1783?
William Pitt
How old was Pitt when he became Prime Minister?
24 years old.
Why was the choice of Pitt as PM controversial?
George III had undermined the existing coalition between Charles Fox and Lord North.
How was George III’s decision to make Pitt PM vindicated in 1784?
Pitt has success in the election which made it look like the King had made the correct appointment.
What was the problem with Parliament in 1783?
It was dominated by the wealthy and influential landowners and aristocrats who represented their own interests and wanted to benefit from the system of patronage.
