Topic 3 Flashcards
What were the reasons for the 1867 reform act?
Tory pragmatism
Increased interest in political reform due to Italian unification
Increase in living standards due to WC friendly societies and an increase in population
Pressure from MPs like John Bright, Reform Leagues (met in Feb 1865), Trade Union Council (met in 1866)
Changing attitudes due to an increase in industrial influence
Tory pragmatism
Effects of the 1867 reform act
52 redistributed seats but very limited. Not done according to population
Skilled WC were given the vote because most of them had savings in friendly societies or were members of model unions - Gladstone considered these measures of one’s responsibility
Franchise went from 1 million to 2.5
Unskilled WC can’t save so they don’t deserve the vote because most
Why did the gov pass the 1884 reform act?
Industrialisation. More jobs and more workers created an increased awareness. WC getting stronger
Repeal of corn laws caused a split in political parties which increased competition
What did the 1884 reform act do?
Expanded franchise from 3.5 mill to 5.5 mill: rate paying householders and £10 lodgers who had lived there for at least a year
Affected the whole of the UK which meant Ireland’s franchise increased by 230%
Men with degrees from one of the five unis with a right to elect an MP could vote twice
Men who lived in one constituency and owned property in another could vote twice
Made county and borough qualifications equal
Who could not vote?
Men who had not been in their house long enough
Men who weren’t householders
Men receiving poor relief
Women
Anyone under 21
What was passed in 1872?
Ballot Act - private vote. Made it fairer, less bribery
Why was the 1867 reform bill somewhat limited?
It purposely limited the Liberals because the franchise was only expanded in counties, not boroughs. Tortes only expanded the franchise to benefit themselves
Why did the Liberals fail to pass the reform act in 1866?
The Whigs in the party opposed reform so they voted against the bill
What was Hodgkinsons amendment?
Some tenants paid their landlord who then paid the gov, meaning they couldn’t vote. The amendment recognised these tenants and they signed a register saying they paid their landlord, therefore giving them the right to vote
What was passed in 1883 and what did it do?
Corrupt and illegal practices act which was supposed to end bribery. Limited number of paid election workers and amount candidates could spend: election spending in 1885 was 25% less than 1880and there were fewer petitions to parliament about bribery
