The Development of British Democracy — Revision Notes

The Reform Act of 1832 abolished pocket and rotten boroughs and gave more parliamentary seats to towns and cities.

In 1969, the voting age was lowered to 18 for all citizens.

Rotten boroughs had very few voters but still had representation in Parliament, giving disproportionate power to landowners.

The Chartists were a movement in the 1830s-1840s that campaigned for political reform, including the right to vote for all men.

Before the Reform Acts, only wealthy landowners and men of property could vote.

The Development of Voting Rights

Year	Reform
1832	Reform Act — abolished pocket/rotten boroughs; more seats for towns
1867	Second Reform Act — extended vote to more men in towns
1918	Women over 30 gained the vote
1928	Women gained equal voting rights at 21 (same as men)
1969	Voting age lowered to 18 for all citizens

Before reform, only wealthy landowners and men of property could vote
Pocket boroughs — controlled by wealthy individuals
Rotten boroughs — had very few voters but still had MPs
The Reform Act of 1832 was a turning point — began to make representation fairer

A movement demanding political reform
Key demands included:
- The right to vote for all men
- Secret ballot (voting in private)
- Equal-sized constituencies
- Paying MPs so ordinary people could serve
Though the Chartist movement was not immediately successful, most of their demands were eventually adopted

Test yourself

Check your understanding with these quick questions.

1.The Reform Act of 1832 achieved which of the following?

2.When did all men and women over 18 gain the right to vote?

3.What was a 'rotten borough'?

4.The Chartists campaigned for:

5.Before the Reform Act, who could mainly vote?

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