Equal Representation - Seats

Question 1

Describe the limitations of the reform act of 1867

Answer 1

Britain was not truly democratic because there were still some areas (boroughs) which were unrepresented
Not everyone could vote yet
Had to pay to become and MP
Land owning wealthy people were over represented
Growing towns were unrepresented

Question 2

Describe the progress of the seats act of 1885

Answer 2

Vast majority of constituencies now had only one MP
79 towns whose population dropped lost their right to elect an MP whilst growing towns were given the right to elect two MPs
Ever larger towns were divided into several constituencies each one electing an MP
Boundaries were redrawn so that most constituencies had an approx. population of 50,000
Fully democratic- constituencies were made equal and all the areas are equally represented

Question 3

Describe the progress of the reform act of 1867

Answer 3

Boroughs which had become depopulated lost their right to send MPs to parliament
Growing towns gained the right to send more
Counties that increased in size gained an MP
15 towns got an MP for the first time