Franchise and Suffrage

Question 1

h

Answer 1

Suffrage franchise the ability or right to vote in public elections

Everyone over the age of 18 has the right to vote however they must be registered to do so also British and Irish citizens have reciprocal rights and can vote in each other’s countries Commonwealth citizens can vote so are UK national laws who have lived abroad for less than 15 years

This is known as universal suffrage and covers approximately 71.5% of the current UK population, Huge difference from around 200 years ago when only around 2.7% of the UK population had the a franchise —. The growth in the franchise reflects the changing nature of democracy in the UK

The extension of the franchise has made Britain a more representative democracy

Question 2

h

Answer 2

You cannot vote if people are excluded from voting under the age of 18 EU citizens except Irish can only vote in local elections members of the House of Lords because they have a permanent voice as part of Parliament prisoners subject to challenge from the ECHR although the government has ignored this people detained in a psychiatric hospital people convicted of a corrupt or illegal electoral practice barred for five years

Question 3

g

Answer 3

Problems with the voting in the 18th century before reform

From the late Middle Ages to the early 19th century there were no major reforms of the electoral system only around 400,000 people could vote women were excluded from voting although there are occasional instances of women who owned property you could vote plural voting allowed wealthy men with property in more than one constituency devote more than once could not vote if you did not have property very limited range of candidates all rich white male landowners pallets were not secret wealthy patrons of the nominated MPs are people are pressured to vote for them small boroughs had MPs while Emerging industrial towns were yet to acquire their own representation distribution of Parliamentary seats have not kept pace with economic growth and population movements

Two types of constituency counties and boroughs Which varied considerably in size in counties only there is owning freehold property worth at least 40 shillings could vote who could vote in borrowers depended on local rules and traditions e.g. in some or three men could vote but in others it depended on property ownership and some sort of tax

Question 4

key milestones in widening the franchise

Answer 4

The great reform act 1832 the representation of the people act 1918 the representation of the people act 1928 the representation of the people act 1969

The franchise has been gradually extended in the UK since 1832 to include all adults over 18/16 in Scotland with a few exceptions such as prisoners currently serving a sentence

Attitudes to class gender and age have a valved the franchise has been extended previously excluded groups have been granted a more equal say in British politics and the way the country is run

Question 5

The Great Reform Act (1832)

Answer 5

The great reform act 1832 was the first major change concerning suffrage and the franchise

Voting rights were extended to property owners like those who own factories and shops rather than just landowners in other words extending the franchise to the middle classes because they were growing in importance due to the industrial revolution — They had become a major economic force in the UK and contributed more to the economy than the land owning nobility

Created a standard qualification for the franchise all male household is living in property he paid a yearly rent of £10 or more were allowed to vote —. The value of property rather than land became the key factor for awarding the franchise

This doubled the amount of photos to around 650,000 5% of the adult population

Created seats for urban areas like Manchester and abolished seats in underpopulated boroughs

Showed that reform was possible and that groups could campaign for further change And persuade Parliament to make further changes

However still only around 5% of the whole population could vote

Created anger as MPs were trying to block democracy by rallying the property owners to keep the working class powerless

Question 6

The Chartists

Answer 6

Demanded votes for all secret ballots regular parliaments etc

Were not taken seriously by Parliament

Question 7

h

Answer 7

The vote was extended further in a series of stages because it became clear to the governing class is the gradual reform would not provoke violent revolution the gradual inclusion of more people into the franchise was the best way to ever such an upheaval

Question 8

h

Answer 8

By 1900 many aspects of life for women in the UK were changing these included new jobs such as typists and telephone exchange workers teachers and nurses even doctors and architects which gave women from all backgrounds more opportunity to earn money and pay tax

Changes to marriage laws but that women could divorce their husbands for cruelty desertion or bigamy could keep that own property and leave the husbands i.e. they were free to live where they chose even if still married

Such changes had given women a greater sense of independence and personal responsibility but it was believed that they would need to be given the franchise in order to achieve full gender equality with men

Arguments in favour of giving women the vote in 1900s it would help to end all the inner qualities women have proven themselves politically capable it was happening elsewhere it was a fundamental right it would make Britain a true democracy

Arguments against giving women the vote in the 1900s men and women had separate roles women did not want to vote women’s focus should be on local national affairs it would undermine a system that worked women had not thought to defend their country women were represented by their husbands

By 1918 the issue of voting rights had to be considered because many men have lost the right to vote as a result of serving overseas during the First World War it was also felt that was meant for all classes at four in the wall should be rewarded this provided an opportunity to discuss with voting rights at the same time

Women had contributed to the war effort at home and in non-combat roles overseas proving they could take part in the defence of the country Women had provided valuable work during the war and should be rewarded with many Men away at war women have proved themselves responsible and capable of maintaining a safe country the suffragettes stops the violence and aided the war effort the government was worried that they might start up a violent campaign again now that the war was over David Lloyd George had become prime minister and was much more supportive of women’s rights to vote that the previous prime minister

Question 9

The Representation of the People Act (1918)

Answer 9

All men over 21 and women over 30 could vote which meant that now 75% of the adult population could vote

Gave some degree of female in franchisement and full universal suffrage to adult men

There was pressure to give all men the vote especially after many how to risk their lives in the war yet could not have political say

Women were allowed to vote as they had contributed considerably to the war effort I put in themselves as responsible and capable so should be rewarded the government was also worried that the suffragettes would start up a violent campaign again now that the war had ended

However only women over 30 could vote had to be householders or wives of householders young and unmarried women could still not vote although this was the first piece of female suffrage but women were still not granted suffrage on the same basis as men

Throughout the Victorian period the test for admission to the franchise remained based on property it was not until 1918 that the vote was treated as a citizens right

Question 10

The Representation of the People Act (1928)

Answer 10

Extend the franchise to all citizens over 21 regardless of gender achieved full adult suffrage equalise the franchise class gender and age were obstacles for voting for centuries but ethnicity was never specified as grounds for exclusion from the franchise

Question 11

The Representation of the People Act (1969)

Answer 11

Voting age reduced to 18 universal suffrage no matter race gender or wealth reflect the changing attitudes in society about adulthood

The role and status of 18 to 20-year-olds have been changing — more 18-year-olds were gaining employment higher education and financial independence so it seemed appropriate to award them the vote

The Leyte committee set up in 1965 by Justice John Leyte suggested that the voting age should be lowered to 18 because 18-year-olds were more financially independent than in previous generations more physically developed increasingly mature better educated radio and television meant that young people are better informed

The later the committee suggestions on the passage of other legislation such as the marriage act 1949 which allowed the age at which a person could marry without parental consent to 18 the representation of the people act 1969 was introduced the past meeting anyone over the age of 18 could vote regardless of race gender or wealth

Question 12

Scottish Elections (Reduction of Voting Age) Act 2016

Answer 12

In 2014 for the first time in UK history 16 and 17-year-olds were allowed to vote in the referendum on Scottish independence under the 2016 act this extended to all elections in Scotland but not a UK general elections or referendums

Question 13

Suffragettes (pressure group)

Answer 13

WSPU Women’s social and political union formed in 1903 by Emmeline Pankhurst nicknamed the suffragettes and campaign for equal voting rights for women initially intended as an insult by the press

exclusion of women from the franchise was largely unchallenged until the late 1800s This changed with the NUWSS it is it was assumed that married women were represented through the husbands votes women were allowed to vote in local council elections but not general elections it was believed that only men should have a say in issues of national importance

Attracted both working and middle class support Female only membership — Through much of its support from working-class women though it started to recruit more middle and upper-class women when it moved to London in 1906

Clear and focused aims — Secure equal voting rights for women have a female only membership be a group of deeds and actions not words focus only on the issue of political equality and nothing else

Used more violent and militant tactics frustrated at the slow pace of the NUWSS the climate of opinion was changing but not quick enough — The Pankhurst’s have been frustrated by the slow pace of change of the NUWSS on founded the WSP you with a view to using violent and a legal process methods to draw attention to the cause and put pressure on the government

Wanted to attract publicity and put pressure on Parliament through violence and intimidation

Question 14

h

Answer 14

Focused on actions not words often violent and a legal disrupting political meetings and other prominent male dominated public activities chaining themselves to railings outside Downing Street smashing windows burning and blowing up buildings firebombs deane to serious national security threat this alienate it potential supporters going to prison and on hunger strikes force fed showed the government to be unreasonably harsh gave the movement valuable publicity 1913 Emily Davison jumped in front of the Kings horse at the races Attacking or fighting police officers

These methods attracted hostility but also sympathy for their strength dedication and endurance

Showed moderation and flexibility when they suspended the campaign in 1914 for World War I

Question 15

Suffragists

Answer 15

In 1866 the first petition to give women the right to vote was presented to Parliament but failed to extend the franchise to women and a variety of movements across the country created beginning with the Manchester Society for women’s suffrage

These various movements were eventually unified in 1897 by Millicent Fawcett under the NUWSS National union of women’s suffrage societies Nicknamed the suffragists founded in 1897 by Millicent Fawcett campaign other women’s issues to not just political voting rights

Mostly middle-class women members Who would usually campaign for other women’s rights issues such as marriage rights and employment rights Although membership is open to everyone And anyone can join the NUWSS and somebody join

Non-violent peaceful methods of protest and persuasion peaceful demonstrations marches and protests petitions lobbying MPs writing letters and pamphlets educational lectures Try to work with the government and persuade them rather than intimidate them national network of committees

Internally democratic members elected the president and Decisions being made through elected committees

The effectiveness of the two movements remains controversial

By 1914 the NUWSS had more than 100,000 members in 400 branches spread across the whole country

Question 16

differences between the Suffragettes and Suffragists

Answer 16

Suffragists membership was open to all the organisation was internally democratic are used peaceful methods of protest they try to work with the government the organisation had a national network of committees

Suffragettes membership was open to women only the organisation is run by the Pankhurst’s with no involvement of the Members used violent and illegal methods of protest try to intimidate the government rather than working with the organisation was centred around London after 1906

Question 17

did violence work for the suffragettes?

NO

Answer 17

The government could not be seen to be givimg into terrorists and these violent methods which prevented them from giving them the vote

Alienate it many potential supporters many preferred the non-violent peaceful methods of the NUWSS — The violence turned many moderate men and women away from the course membership of the WSP was decreasing by 1913 as people turned to the peaceful NUWSS

Arguably women’s work during the war gain the vote not the violence used by the suffragettes the willingness of women to serve in vital industries during the war persuaded the government of the fitness to vote however the vast majority of these women were young and I’m married so did not benefit from the 1918 legislation if the government wanted to reward women for their work this did not achieve that

the violence Seemed to prove women were not responsible enough to vote if they resorted to violence like this

The NUWSS became alarmed that the violent actions of the suffragettes were causing hostility from the government towards the course by 1914 public opinion was firmly against the WSP you and its cause making it easy for the government to ignore its demands

Question 18

did violence work for the suffragettes?

YES

Answer 18

violence Led to brutal treatment by police which created sympathy for the suffragettes — In November 1910 known as Black Friday a WSP you protest resulted in a fight with the police that so many women assaulted both physically and sexually by the police

The government was fearful that women on hunger strike in prison might die and become a martyr to the cause of policies of force-feeding lead to criticism of the government and gained a lot of public sympathy for the cause

Regular violent actionsKept the public fearful and focused on the issue, Certainly raised the public profile of the cause of women’s voting rights And kept the issue in the public eye

Little to be lost by violence they were not being taken Seriously before then — People who already opposed to giving the vote for women were not going to be any more put off by the use of violence so there was little to be lost by its use

the violence was Sensational caused media to report on it and therefore raised valuable public awareness Of the issue of women’s suffrage

When the war broke out in 1914 the suffragettes promised to end violent methods for the duration of the war began to help the government organise women workers but the government was fearful that they begin their violent campaign after the war and so extended the franchise to prevent this

The suffragettes were the only group to achieve their aims using violence

Intimidated the government and forced them to listen some historians argue that the choir undramatic work of the suffragists went Whitely unnoticed and it was the suffragettes that led to the real change

Question 19

Votes at 16 (current movement to extend the franchise)

Answer 19

16 and 17 year-olds are the most prominent group still excluded from the franchise

Votes at 16 coalition formed in 2003

Secure the study of the issue by the electoral commission although no change resulted

Still has a lot of support in the commons, Particularly from labour LibDem and SMP MPs e.g. Labour MP Julie Morgan sponsored a private members bill 2008 but this failed as it run out of Parliamentary time giving votes to 16 year olds is supported by over 300 MPs and over 200 Lords mostly labour

Important boost came and 16 and 17-year-olds were allowed to vote in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum a huge turnout in that age group 75% voted the Scottish parliament voted the following year to allow them to take part in elections

By the 2015 general election all major parties except the Conservatives were in favour

Also supported by the electoral reform Society British youth Council NUS etc

Question 20

arguments FOR extending the vote to 16 year olds

Answer 20

Engages young people in society and the political system by encouraging them to get involved to have the say or opinion promotes participation encouraging young people to engage in politics at a young age will encourage them to become voters for life this will potentially solve the participation crisis

Should have a saying issues that will influence their lives such as tuition fees it’s on fair that they cannot vote on policies directly affecting them in the future

Already possess all the legal rights such as the right to leave school start work join the army have sex et cetera so why not the vote to however these rights often limited in practice due to children not being mature enough 16-year-olds need parental agreement to marry and very few are in full time employment

Knowledgeable and passionate about politics already for example there is a youth parliament and 75% voted in the Scottish referendum schools provide citizenship lessons so children know more about politics and can debate on matters however the Scottish referendum had unusually high participation in all age groups we cannot assume that this many people will vote in elections

Many countries such as Australia Brazil Ecuador et cetera already allow 16 and 17-year-olds to vote they can also vote in Slovenia if employed but most countries deny young people to vote at 16 UK is actually in the mainstream

Question 21

arguments AGAINST extending the vote to 16 year olds

Answer 21

Too young lacked the necessary life experience and maturity to make an informed vote as well as being too heavily influenced by their parents views

Participation is lowest for 18 to 24-year-olds extending the franchise will only increase the slow turn out when people do not care enough about politics relatively few take part in the youth parliament or similar enterprises

Only temporarily denied the vote as they can vote when they’re 18 before that 18-year-olds share much of the same issues and concerns so can vote on behalf of them

Question 22

ONS survey about votes at 16

Answer 22

ONS office for National statistics

Loring the voting age to 16 could change the winner and 88 seats for number 16 and 17-year-olds outnumber the majority that there is 88 MPs have this could cause the sea change if the youth were allowed to vote

Corbin is increasingly popular with young people which would perhaps motivate them to vote

Scotland referendum 16 and 17-year-olds voted at a high turnout at 75% shows that young people can be mobilised politically when given the chance if 1617-year-olds are allowed to vote in general elections this could increase turn out

Question 23

points in favour of reducing the voting age to 16

Answer 23

Young people would become more encouraged and interested in getting involved in politics raises interest

Lack of political representation means young peoples interests are ignored and overlooked the average age for Representatives is over 50

Transition into adult heard is an ongoing process that could be enhanced by the chance to become politically engaged Earlier not giving the vote only encourages disconnection at a young age of 16-year-olds get the vote they’ll be more involved in society

The views of young people will be more focused on if they get the chance to vote as parties will have to appeal to them in order to secure votes and be elected into office — Increased electoral incentive to move to reduce the voting age would make politicians more receptive to the demands of young people and as a result young people would become far more politically engaged

Young people need to become more politically engaged because if they do not grow up immersed in democracy, voting will seem unimportant and alien to them this could in part explain the low turnout of 18 to 25-year-olds in the 2010 and 2015 general elections — Extending the franchise would have a positive impact on political participation and engagement as teenagers grow into adults who are used to being politically engaged and will carry on

Question 24

points against reducing the voting age to 16

Answer 24

Most young people are still in full time education 16-year-olds are not adults yet lack of experience makes them unsuitable to vote

Young people show no interest in boating and are disengaged in politics Loring the vote would only mean more of the population not using their vote

They are only temporarily denied the vote 18-year-olds have the same concerns so there’s no need to lower the voting age, And before they reach 18 they already have a reasonable amount of political influence through their own political activities such as joining pressure groups or the youth parliament

Question 25

evidence for arguments in favour of reducing the voting age to 16

Answer 25

75% of 16 to 17-year-olds voted in the Scottish referendum 16-year-olds can already vote in elections in Scotland it’s time for a 16-year-old to be given the essay across the UK

Many are getting more informed and educated and I’m more interested in politics it is on fair to stop them from having a go just because some people don’t care which is true for every age group would encourage civic mindedness at an earlier age easy to inform young people through education and politics

Young people should have a say in matters that actually affects them their voices deserve to be heard such as tuition fees which will raise from around £3000-£9000 without 16-year-olds even getting opinion yet they will have to deal with that in the future

16-year-olds can already legally smoke get married to learn to drive et cetera so why not this to its just another part of adult life that they should get to experience sooner otherwise it makes them feel more excluded

In 2011 Austria became the first European country to lower the voting age to 16 political interest increased and young people actively got more involved clear positive effect of reducing the voting age

Studies show that young people participate more when they feel like they’re being taken seriously

A study by Edinburgh University during the referendum in 2014 from that although some teenagers were doubtful of their own abilities to make the right decisions this only led them to seek out more information to help before the judgement in some cases they even influence their parents fighting with newfound knowledge

In the 2017 general election 68% of 18 to 24-year-olds voted which is higher than the national average perhaps demonstrating that the problem isn’t so much that young people are politically and in gauged but rather that the choices available to them have not always been especially attractive

Question 26

evidence for arguments against reducing the voting age to 16

Answer 26

16-year-olds are too young for such a responsibility they haven’t yet into the world of tax employment home ownership et cetera and these economic issues a key in election campaigns so how can 16-year-olds be trusted to give an informed enough about the lack of experience prevents them from making informed decisions that are responsible and easily influenced by radical politics but not fully think things through Bliley go to for whoever the parents about four would only limit democracy and the legitimacy of it As they aren’t actually voting for people they actually want in power

18 to 24-year-olds have the lowest voting turnout of any age group younger generations would not be any different due to a lack of interest, Extending the franchise would therefore only serve to increase the number of people who don’t use their vote perpetuating the current problem of declining turn out

Norway lower the voting age of 2011 but this was not very successful there was no sign of an increased sense of civic responsibility or interest in voting

Unlikely to have any significant effect on attitudes and behaviour of most politicians are political parties towards younger voters as parties instinctively represent the views of all just photos just to maintain support from them as they have the highest out elections and determine which party is elected into office

Question 27

how would lowering the voting age to 16 possibly improve democracy?

Answer 27

By granting young people the right to vote it would improve democracy as it would level the imbalances between the generations and ensure a political system much more representative of the concerns and ideas of different generations including the young

Has the potential to increase participation and turn out — although some argue against this and say it will only perpetuate the issue of low turnout

Question 28

should prisoners be allowed the vote?

Answer 28

Voting is a privilege can be taken away when you’ve broken the law

Not trustworthy or loyal to the country do not deserve to vote

Not having the right to vote is an act of punishment for breaking the law

Increases their civic responsibility and therefore aids reform

Social exclusion increases likeliness of reoffending