1. Issue 2- How Democratic was Britain by 1918?

2. Quick Note
In this essay, when analysing any of the 6 issues, make sure to analyse that issue ONLY.
For example, when you are analysing Widening the Franchise, do not start discussing how seats were not evenly distributed.
When you are analysing bribery and corruption, do not begin discussing how Britain was not democratic after the 1883 Corrupt and Illegal Practices Act became women could not vote
ONLY REFER TO DEMOCRATIC ISSUES WITHIN THE SPECIFIC TOPIC!!!!

3. 1928 Equal Franchise Act
Women were given the same voting rights as men all women aged 21 +
Limitations of 1928 Equal Franchise Act
The insane and criminals in prison did not have the right to vote
Universities still elected MPs
Plural voting still existed
Only 21 year olds were viewed as able to vote (until 1969)

4. Increasing Choice
Before 1900, voters only had two parties to choose from This is not democratic!!
Many members of society only partially supported the Conservatives and Liberals.
Workers found that neither party was particularly supporting their needs.

5. Trade Unions
Workers in different industries (coal mining, textiles, railroad workers) had formed organisations which would represent their needs.
These organisations are called Trade Unions, and some of them came to represent all workers in Britain in a particular industry (all coal miners, or ship builders)
These Trade unions would fight for workers rights (pay, hours, workplace saftey etc)

6. Trade Unions
These Trade Unions became large wealthy organisations which were able to have representatives in the Liberal Party.
These Trade Union representatives in the Liberal Party became known as Lib-Lab members. (Meaning Liberal party members who represented labour organisations).
Eventually these men became Members of Parliament for the Liberal Party.

7. The Labour Party is formed- 1900
These members of parliament who represented labour organisations, remained Liberal Party ministers.
However, by 1900, these MPs and trade unions realised a new party was needed to adequatly represent the workers of Britain.
With funding from the workers themselves, trade unions from around Britain used their wealth to support a new party, the Labour Party.

8. The Labour Party
With a third Party involved in the election process, there was INCREASING CHOICE.
To what extent did Increasing Choice make Britain more democratic in 1900?