Chapter 1 - Suffrage (NOT FINAL) Flashcards
What does suffrage mean?
The right to vote.
Who was the woman that lost her life in the struggle for women’s suffrage?
Emily Davison - she fell under the King’s horse trying to attached a suffragette banner.
When was the Great Reform Act?
1832
What did the Great Reform Act do?
Franchise is extended to property owners with a rent of at least £10 per annum - the enfranchised population goes from 4% to 6%.
When was the Second Reform Act?
1867
What does the Second Reform Act do?
Further extends the right to vote, doubling the electorate to 2 million people.
When was the Ballot Act?
1872
What did the Ballot Act do?
Introduces a secret ballot.
When was the Third Reform Act?
1884
What did the Third Ballot Act do?
Extends the franchise to most working men.
When was the Representation of the People Act?
1918
What did the Representation of the People Act do?
Adult men over the age of 21 are given the right to vote, as are women over the age of 30.
When was the Second Representation of the People Act passed?
1928
What did the Second Representation of the People Act do?
Gives the franchise to all adults over the age of 21.
When was the Fourth Representation of the People Act passed?
1969
What did the Fourth Representation of the People Act do?
Reduced the voting age to 18.
What are the 3 arguments in favour of votes at 16?
- Young people are better informed than ever.
- Encourage voter turnout.
- If you are old enough to marry, pay taxes, or go to war, then you should be able to vote.
What are the 3 arguments against votes at 16?
- Too young to make informed decisions on complex issues.
- They have a lower state in society.
- They tend to be excessively radical as they do not have enough life experience.
What are the 3 arguments for compulsory voting?
- Forces people to be more informed about politics.
- Greater democratic legitimacy to election results.
- Voting is a civic duty and people should be obliged to do it.
What are the 4 arguments against compulsory voting?
- It is a basic right not to take part.
- Many people will not be politically informed.
- It will favour large parties as uninformed people will just vote for them.
What percentage of voters aged 18-24 typically vote?
35%
What percentage of over 60s typically vote?
80%
