Redistribution of Seats Act, 1885 Flashcards
1
Q
Why was this act initially introduced?
A
- Sailsbury insisted to redraw constituency boundaries
2
Q
Why did this benefit the Conservative Party?
A
- Concerned that newly enfranchised (liberal working class) would overpower (conservative supporting rural voters)
- More contest in parliament
3
Q
How did the Redistribution of Seats Act benefit representation?
A
- Most constituencies now had a single MP - necessary for parties to compete for votes
-Boundaries were moved to make constituencies with similar population sizes
4
Q
What was the effect of this act?
A
- Urban middle classes were better represented in Parliament
- Equalling the number of rural nobility who were MPs
