1 - The British Political System c1783 Flashcards
(44 cards)
Between who was there a fine balance between political power?
Parliament and the King.
What did political power depend upon?
Patronage.
What does patronage mean?
The right to give privileges or make appointments. Essentially the king could use this to extend his power and fill parliament with men who support his policies.
Who was the monarch in 1783?
King George III.
What type of constitution was Britain?
Mixed constitution/ constitutional monarchy.
What is a mixed constitution?
Form of government when the head of state is the monarch, with their powers limited by parliament.
What did the Statute of the Bill of Rights do and when was it introduced?
- 1689
- Limited the powers of the monarch when interfering with passing laws and gave parliament these powers.
What is the Divine Right?
The concept that the monarch rule by the authority of God, not the people.
What powers did the monarch still have?
- Influenced general policy
- Could choose and dismiss ministers
- Could summon and dissolve Parliament (but couldn’t rule without it)
- Could veto legislation.
How was the monarch financially dependant on Parliament?
Due to annual grants funded to him, called the civil list.
Why was the monarch unlikely to veto legislation?
Could negatively impact his financial grants.
How was parliament comprised?
House of Lord and House of Commons.
How were the Lords made up?
- Unelected ruling elite class.
- New peers could come if King wanted to reward loyalty.
How did the Lords have superior power?
Could block measures from the Commons
How were the Commons made up?
An elected assembly
Not democratic as only a few could vote
MPs mainly from gentry class.
How did many MPs regard their seats?
- As an opportunity for advantage and advancement
- Others valued their independence
- Represented the county seats and interests of gentry and landowners in their constituencies.
What did the Commons have control over?
Taxation and to check on the executive (ministers).
Why was it difficult to maintain a stable majority in the Commons?
Their were many different factions and interest groups.
What happened by the late 18th Century?
The growth of Paris which strengthened the Commons, leading to the King needing the support of Commons to carry on.
Who were the Privy Council?
What problem occurred?
- Group of advisers for the king and acted as a bridge between him and Parliament on policy decisions.
- Became too large to be manageable.
What replaced the Privy Council?
A smaller, more manageable group of advisers called the Cabinet. They gained more influence and had powers to hold meetings weekly.
What was the First Lord of Treasury? How were they decided?
- The Prime minister from the cabinet
- Someone the King could trust, had there majority in Commons (either Whig or Tory)
What did the Prime minister use to cement parliamentary support?
Use patronage, pensions and positions, hand out positions..
Why was King Georges position weakened?
The loss of American colonies, leading to him being forced to resign the prime minister (Lord North) in 1782 and accept Lord Rockingham (who he detested).
