Unit 2: How far did the influence of the Crown over elections and parliament change in 1780-1928? Flashcards
Describe how rising taxation and royal and government patronage stimulated extra-parliamentary opposition.
Government issued contracts for arms, ships and uniform to accommodate soldiers fighting in the American war 1775 which was expensive.
Led to increased taxes to pay for the war which angered landed gentry eg. land tax was 2 shillings in early 18th century then rose to 4 shillings in 1779.
Led to the formation of the Yorkshire Association which campaigned for the reduction of crown and government patronage. Had close links with the Rockingham Whigs, who were the most influential opposition group in the House of Commons with leading supporter, Edmund Burke.
Led to 1779-80 petitioning movement- petitioned to parliament demanding a reduction in the number of posts at the Crown’s disposal.
What were the reasons for the declining royal influence over the House of Lords?
Economic reform since 1782, accelerated after 1810 by fading the mental powers of George III
The Reform Act 1832 as governments could no longer rely on the favour of the monarchs and crown patronage to secure the support of MPs.
Describe Victoria and the Bedchamber crisis 1839.
When Victoria came to throne in 1887, she relied on the advice of PM Lord Melbourne.
When Melbourne resigned in 1839 after a defeat in House of Commons, Victoria invited Peel to form a government.
Although the conservatives did not have majority, Peel believed he could count on the support of some Whig MPs, to pass legislation.
However, Pitt couldn’t appoint his allies to post because following Melbourne’s advice, Victoria refused to change her ladies.
Pitt refused to become Prime Minister under the restrictions and Melbourne returned to office.
Describe the political system under George V 1910-36.
In 1914, George V opposed the bill to grant Home Rule to Ireland because he believed it would lead to a civil war between Unionists and Irish nationalists- gave royal assent in September 1914.
For the rest of his reign, he remained aloof from the political infighting that followed the fall of Lord George’s government in 1922.
However, in December 1923 election threatened to drag the King into political arena as the conservatives lost 86 seats so no longer had parliamentary majority so PM Baldwin thought he couldn’t continue in office.
George V appointed Ramsay MacDonald January 1924.
What was the effect of parliamentary reform on the Monarch’s influence?
Parliamentary reform severely restricted the monarch’s involvement in government processes.
Victoria and her successors reigned as constitutional monarchs- possessed wide power in theory but they were exercised by the government.
Describe the Crown’s influence in government and parliament.
From 1714, patronage and sinecures was used by monarchs and ministers to ensure the loyalty of individual MPs which would secure their support for the government.
Describe George III involvement in politics in the 1760s.
Established conventions to play an active role in government.
This political involvement led to political instability as he ignored the views of Parliament by appointing ministers who could not claim the support of the House of Commons.
Unable to sustain, 1770 King appointed Lord North as Prime Minister, supported by House of Commons.
Describe the decrease in the power of the Crown.
The removal of rotten and pocket boroughs and redistributing seats weakened the influence of royal patrons.
The crown lost control over the choice of PM: 1880, Queen Victoria wanted to appoint Lord Harrington as Prime minister but was pressured by the liberals into appointing Gladstone.
The independence of the monarchy was safeguarded in 1839, during the ‘bedchamber crisis’ which illustrates that the monarch could not freely appoint minority governments but also parliament had limited influence over the monarch.
