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How democratic was Britain by 1928?

How democratic was Britain by 1928?. Intro. Set context: !850 – 1928 Britain certainly more democratic Importance of the issue: Democracy seen as fair government – definition. ‘government of the people , by the people, for the people.’ What needs to be analysed?: Not just voting rights

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How democratic was Britain by 1928?

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  1. How democratic was Britain by 1928?

  2. Intro • Set context: • !850 – 1928 Britain certainly more democratic • Importance of the issue: • Democracy seen as fair government – definition. • ‘government of the people , by the people, for the people.’ • What needs to be analysed?: • Not just voting rights • Fairer? • More representative? • Ability of the people to understand the system

  3. Development • Right to vote • The right to vote is crucial in a democracy. • Second Reform Act of 1867. • Third Reform Act of 1884. • Representation of the People Act of 1918.

  4. Fairness • Fairness is crucial in a democracy. • Ballot Act of 1872. • Redistribution of Seats Act of 1867, 1885 and 1918. • Corrupt and Illegal Practices Act of 1883.

  5. Parties • Choice of Parties is crucial in a democracy. • By the early 1900’s people had a choice of three national parties to vote for – Conservative, Liberal and Labour. BUT – weakness of first past the post system vs proportional representation

  6. Members of Parliament • Opportunity to become an MP is crucial in a democracy. • Abolition of the Property Qualification for MPs in 1857. • Payment of MPs in 1911. • BUT change very slow. Richer middle classes dominated House of Commons. Working Class MPs, Women MPs by 1928?

  7. House of Lords • Accountability is crucial in a democracy. • Parliament Act of 1911. • Loss of the veto power of the House of Lords. • BUT still an unelected group who had power to delay reform.

  8. Education and Literacy • Access to information is crucial in a democracy. • Education Act of 1870 (1872). • Spread of railways. • Proliferation of local/national newspapers widely available to all. • BUT – still huge inequalities of wealth between classes, esp working class majority

  9. Conclusion • Definitely more democratic • Several areas improved – equality in voting rights, opportunities for representation, majority can elect and reject their leaders. • BUT could it be more democratic? • PR? • House of Lords?

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