The representation of the people act 1969

Question 1

What happened in 1969?

Answer 1

• the representation of the people act in 1969

Question 2

Why did this act come about?

Answer 2

• as a result of MP’s reacting to social changes rather than a campaign or public demand

Question 3

What had happened since the second world war?

Answer 3

• the role of status of 18-20 year olds had been changing , with more gaining employment, higher education and financial independence
• however, the law stated that anyone under the age of 21 years old was a minor
• this act was a result of social change

Question 4

What else had 18-21 year olds try to do?

Answer 4

• get married, buy or rent their own homes, secure bank accounts

Question 5

What happened in 1965?

Answer 5

• John Latey set up a committee called the Latey committee
• its focus was to review issues relating to marriage,wardship,contracts
• the main purpose was to consider whether or not the voting age should be lowered to the age of 18

Question 6

what suggestions did the Latey committee for the voting age to be lower?

Answer 6

• 18 year olds were more financially astute (sharp) and independent than the previous generation
• 18 year olds were more physically developed than in the previous generation
• ## 18 year olds were more mature and better educated than previous generation

Question 7

What happened based on the Latey committee and other legislation ( i.e marriage act of 1949, lowered the voting age to 18 without consent?)

Answer 7

• the representation of the people act in 1969 was introduced and passed which meant anyone over the age of 18 could vote regardless of race, gender or wealth