Whig reforms under Lord Melbourn 1834 & 1835-41

Question 1

what was the The Municipal Corporations Act?
(social)

Answer 1

Benthamite, Joseph Parkes pushed for a royal commission in 1833 which led to the act. the act stated:
- councils were to be elected by all adult male ratepayers.
- councillors were only to sit for a maximum of 3
years.
- Accounts were to be regulated
- councils had the option to make social improvements.

Question 2

when was The Municipal Corporations Act?

Answer 2

1835

Question 3

what were the successes of the Municipal Corporations Act?

Answer 3

• town councils were made more representative and accountable.
• the foundation laid for modern elected local governments

Question 4

what were the limitations of the Municipal Corporations Act?

Answer 4

• WC couldn’t vote, so dominated by middle class men.
• social improvements were permissive, no attention paid to social care and many services, such as public health.

Question 5

what was The Established Church Act?
(religious)

Answer 5

• improved the size of dioceses (unit of administration)
• CofE gained permanent body (improved reach of control)

Question 6

when was The Established Church Act?

Answer 6

1836

Question 7

what was the Tithe Commutation Act?
(religious)

Answer 7

• The cost of the tithe was fixed nationally at 10% of wages.
• payment of the tithe in goods was now stopped & payment made in money.

Question 8

when was the Tithe Commutation Act?

Answer 8

1836

Question 9

what was the Pluralities Act?
(religious)

Answer 9

prevented clergy working in more than one parish.

Question 10

when was the Pluralities Act?

Answer 10

1838

Question 11

what was the Marriage Act?
(religious)

Answer 11

• allowed Nonconformists and Roman Catholics to marry in their own churches.
• compulsory registration of births, deaths and marriages (a year later)

Question 12

when was the Marriage Act?

Answer 12

1836

Question 13

what was the The Limited Liabilities Company Act?
(economic)

Answer 13

encouraged investment by private investors through the idea of ‘limited liability’.

Question 14

when was The Limited Liabilities Company Act?

Answer 14

1836

Question 15

what was the penny post?
(economic)

Answer 15

a penny stamp was therefore introduced for a half-
ounce letter which sped up the process and made the system more efficient.

Question 16

when was the introduction of the penny post?

Answer 16

1840