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?