Pressure for reform Flashcards
1
Q
Describe the parliamentary electoral system at this time
A
- Only 11% of adult men could vote
- All counties returned two MPs
- There were a variety of qualifications for the franchise so the size of the electorate varied between boroughs
- No secret ballot meant that bribery and corruption were rife
- Over 200 seats in the commons were controlled by aristocrats
- The rural south was over represented and the north and midlands were under represented
2
Q
What was the counter to the idea that electoral reform had to take place?
A
- Different qualifications mean there is variety in who can vote
- A range of people are represented, from merchants to land owners
- It was a deferential society
- The system allows talented men to rise to the top, as both Canning and Peel had come from pocket and rotten boroughs respectively
- It had existed for 100 of years and Britain was the fast growing, most advanced nation as a result
