1884 Reform Act

Question 1

What was Gladstone’s main motive for passing the 1884 Reform Act?

Answer 1

Wished to restore his waning popularity

Question 2

How many people are added to the electorate following 1884?

Answer 2

2.5 million

Question 3

Which Act accompanied the 1884 Act?

Answer 3

1885 Redistribution of Seats Act

Question 4

How many seats were redistributed due to the 1885 Redistribution of Seats Act?

Answer 4

142- mainly into single member constituencies; large constituencies were split up

Question 5

Impact on members per constituency?

Answer 5

Nearly all were single member; 24 boroughs remained 2 member

Question 6

Evidence of lack of success of 1884?

Answer 6

by 1911 40% of all adult males were not on the electoral register; qualifications were complex and disenfranchised many working men.
No people living with their parents, or women, could vote.

Question 7

Evidence of lack of success of 1885?

Answer 7

Plural voting continued; 500,000 plural votes in 1911

Question 8

Evidence of disenfranchisement of w/c after 1884?

Answer 8

Only 95 constituencies were reckoned to have working class majorities.
20% of elections remained uncontested