Growth of Parliamentary democracy Flashcards
Radicals
- Wanted reform of political systems so citizens could vote
- Improvement for the working classes influenced by Utilitarian
Tories
- Started around 1860
- Members of the aristocracy
- Generally opposed reform in Parliament
- More religiously intolerant
Whigs
- Started around 1680
- Members of the aristocracy
- Restricting the power of the monarchy through the Bill of Rights
- Supported religious liberty
When was the Bill of Rights?
1689
What were counties?
- Rural shires in Britain which elected 2 MPs to Westminster
- Voters must have ownership of a freehold property worth more than 40 shillings
What were boroughs?
- Urban towns that elected 2 MPs to Westminster
- Franchise qualification was very broad
Who could vote in Corporation Boroughs?
Only members of the town council could vote
Who could vote in Freemen Boroughs?
Anyone with the ‘Freemen’ status could vote
Who could vote in Scot and Lot Boroughs?
Anyone who paid the poor rates could vote
Who could vote in Burgage Boroughs?
An ancient form of rent applied to property bought in a borough and the owners of this property could vote
Who could vote in Potwalloper Borough?
Households who had a hearth that was big enough to boil a pot could vote
Who could vote in Freeholder Boroughs?
A similar franchise as the counties
When was Tom Pain’s book ‘The Rights of Man’ banned? (Pitt’s measures)
1792
When were the trials of radical reformers in Scotland? (Pitt’s measures)
1793
When was the suspension of Habeas Corpus Amendment Act? (Pitt’s measures)
1794
When and what was the Treasonable Practices Act? (Pitt’s measures)
1795, political meetings an act of treason
When and what was the Seditious Meeting Act? (Pitt’s measures)
1795, restrict ability to hold political meetings
When were new taxes and regulation of newspapers put in place? (Pitt’s measures)
1798
When were bans on radical societies put in place? (Pitt’s measures)
1799
When was Habeas Corpus suspended, more tax on newspapers, and spy networks set up? (Pitt’s measures)
1801
What was the purpose of Pitt’s measures?
To contain the threat of revolution in Britain, impact of the French Revolution
What were parliamentary elections like before reform?
- No secret ballot
- Very few voters, so bribery and intimidation was effective
- Controlled by local landowner or government
What were pocket boroughs?
The election of political representatives was controlled by one person or family
