Wider Franchise

Question 1

Before 1832

Answer 1

The franchise was restricted to Landowners and males by custom rather than by law. Only 200,000 of the 12 million population could vote

Question 2

1832- great reform act

Answer 2

The first major reform to the franchise added the right to vote for small property owners
Rotten boroughs were abolished and the act equalised property qualification across the country

Question 3

1867- Reform Act

Answer 3

The franchise was further increased. Men in urban areas were granted the vote if they met the property requirement

Question 4

1884- Representation of the people Act

Answer 4

Gave rural householders the right to vote. The electorate grew to 5 Million
Despite this large increase, all women and around 40% of men were still unable to vote.

Question 5

1918- Increased Franchise
Representation of the people act 1918

Answer 5

The act was introduced close to the end of World War I. It gave all men over the age of 21, and all women over 30 the right to vote

Question 6

1928- Equal franchise

Answer 6

The franchise was equalised between men and women. The vote was given to women over 21 without any property qualifications

Question 7

1948- End of plural voting

Answer 7

This reform meant that every voter would only be voting for a single representative- this meant abolishing University seats

Question 8

1969- Voting age reduced

Answer 8

The voting age was lowered from 21 to 18 for everyone

Question 9

1981- British Nationality

Answer 9

The act provided commonwealth citizens the right to vote in the uk