British Political System Flashcards
(30 cards)
Patronage
The right to give privileges or make appointments. The King had the power of patronage over many important appointments. Could fill Parliament with men who would support his policies.
Constitutional Monarchy
Political power was shared between the King, the House of Lords and the House of Commons
Who was the King in 1783?
King George III
What power did the monarch have over Parliament?
- Influenced general policy as head of state.
- Was able to choose and dismiss his ministers.
- Had the right to dissolve Parliament, but could not rule without it.
Who were the Lords made up of in 1783?
Unelected hereditary peers and the ruling elite
What could the Lords do?
Block measures that were passed by the commons.
What was the bridge between the King and Parliament known as?
The Privy Council
What emerge in place of the Privy Council when it became too large?
A group of ministers knows as the Cabinet.
Who were the two main political groups in 1783?
The Whigs and the Tories.
Why was George III’s position weakened in 1782?
The loss of the American colonies and the crisis surrounding it.
Who became Prime Minister in 1783?
William Pitt
How old was Pitt when he became Prime Minister?
24 years old.
Why was the choice of Pitt as PM controversial?
George III had undermined the existing coalition between Charles Fox and Lord North.
How was George III’s decision to make Pitt PM vindicated in 1784?
Pitt has success in the election which made it look like the King had made the correct appointment.
What was the problem with Parliament in 1783?
It was dominated by the wealthy and influential landowners and aristocrats who represented their own interests and wanted to benefit from the system of patronage.
What was the problem with the electorate in the 1790’s?
It was small and not representative of Britain at the time. It was based on ownership of property.
What was defeated twice in the commons during the 1790’s?
Legislation to reform Parliament by redistributing seats to expanding towns.
What was the problem for working class people wanting to be MP’s at the time?
They didn’t get paid meaning they couldn’t afford the privilege of becoming an MP as they needed an annual income of £600 to become a County member and £300 to become a Borough member.
How many people had the vote in 1783?
Just 250,000 men from a population of around 9 million could vote.
Who were the 40 shilling freeholders?
Men who held land of a minimum rateable value of 40 shillings a year who could elect county MP’s.
Name the different types of boroughs that existed.
- Pot-Walloper boroughs.
- Rotten boroughs.
- Scot and Lot boroughs.
- Corporation boroughs.
- Pocket boroughs
How often were elections held at this time?
Every 7 years.
Who was the most important official in counties?
The Lord Lieutenant.
Who was the Lord Lieutenant and what could he do?
He was a member of the aristocracy who was responsible for maintaining order and local defence. He appointed Justices of the Peace as well.
