Unit 6: Democracy and Political Participation

Question 1

Who was eligible to vote before 1832 and why?

Answer 1

Those who owned a certain amount of land due to the feudal system

Question 2

Who was enfranchised in the 1832 Great Reform Act and why?

Answer 2

Those who owned a property of certain value (20% of men), due to public discontent in the middle class

Question 3

Who was enfranchised in the 1918 Representation of the People Act and why?

Answer 3

Women over 30 with certain property and all men over 21, due to war effort and David Lloyd George being more progressive

Question 4

Who was enfranchised in the 1928 Representation of the People Act and why?

Answer 4

Everyone over the age of 21, NUSEC campaign

Question 5

Who was enfranchised in the 1969 Representation of the People Act and why?

Answer 5

Anyone over 18, seen as more educated than previous generations

Question 6

Name 5 ways democracy can be improved in the UK, and their weaknesses

Answer 6

Compulsory voting - apathy

Reform House of Lords - may lead to Gridlock

Reform of House of Commons - lack of demand

Reform devolution system - EVEL failed

Codify constitution- what to include

Question 7

Name 3 arguments in favour of there being a participation crisis in the UK with examples

Answer 7

Turnout has fallen - 80% in 1950 to 59% in 2001

Party membership has fallen - Conservatives from 2.5mil in 1950 to 124k in 2018

Political apathy - 18-24 are less politically engaged than any other, 2009 expenses scandal

Question 8

Name 3 arguments against there being a participation crisis in the UK with examples

Answer 8

Turnout risen since 2001 - 59% to 69%

Referendum turnout high - 72% in 2016

Pressure group membership has increased and social movements - #MeToo

Question 9

turnout of brexit referendum

Answer 9

72%