1918 Representation Of The People Act

Question 1

What were the main terms of the Act?

Answer 1

All adult males over 21 with at least 6 month residence could vote.
Women over 30 of local government elector/householders/husband could vote.

Question 2

What impact did the Act have?

Answer 2

-8 million women made up 40% of electorate
Act change character of electorate
-plural voting was allows to continue even though it was limited to 1 vote

Question 3

What factors led to the 1918 Act?

Answer 3

-WW1, women’s involvement & men fighting not eligible to vote due to 12 month residency qualification.
Suffragettes campaigns
-labour party emerging
House of Lords still had power and still heredity