1. Issue 1- Lesson 5- Democratic Reform after 1900

2. Reforming the House of Lords The unelected House of Lords had the ability to block any new acts made by the House of Commons. The House of Commons attempted to block the power of the House of Lords, but of course, the House of Lords would not pass such acts.

3. The Situation The Liberals held power in the early 1900s. Because reform had been quite widespread by now, the Liberals turned their focus to improving the lives of poor citizens in Britain. The Liberals wanted to provide social assistance and better health care for its citizens. –But this would cost huge amounts of money –So the Liberals also had to come up with the money to pay for this by raising taxes.

4. The Liberals plan The Liberals planned to introduce new taxes on alcohol, cars, and a large tax on the super wealthy in 1909. This plan to raise taxes and spend the new money elsewhere is called a BUDGET. The Liberals had a huge majority in the House of Commons, so their budget (the plan to raise taxes and spend it on social reform) passed through the House of Commons rather quickly What do you think happened and why?

5. The Liberal Budget passes the House of Commons Liberal Budget Goes to the House of Lords to be voted on. Why would the House of Lords reject the Liberal budget?? Damn rich jerks So the plan to raise taxes to pay for social welfare reforms fails. We’re too rich for ya’ll Liberal rubbish, don’t be taxing us

6. How do we end the power of the House of Lords????? The Liberals travelled the country between 1909 and 1911, spreading the news of their desire to ‘tax the rich to help the poor’ –They spoke against the wealthy members of the House of Lords, making the House of Lords very unpopular. As a result, the House of Lords became viewed as an undemocratic part of parliament which needed to be changed.

7. Parliament Act of 1911 This act reduced the power of the House of Lords –The House of Lords did not have the power to vote on budgets (any act which dealt with taxation of the distribution of money for things like social welfare programs) –Also, the House of Lords could no longer stop Act from being passed totally, they could only delay their passing for two years. After two year an act would become law even if the House of Lords didn’t want it too. What impact do you think this had on the House of Lords? –The House of Lords became scared to exercise its power out of fear that its power would be further taken away