Influence of the Crown Flashcards
(24 cards)
To what extent idd the power of the crown diminish 1780-1928?
-Decline in power over politics 1780-1832
-Decline in power over politics 1832-1880
-Decline in power over politics 1880-1928
What motion detailed the power of the crown?
Dunning’s Motion 1780: ‘the power of the crown has increased, is increasing and needs to be diminished’.
Order of monarchs?
George III until 1820
George IV until 1830
William IV until 1837
Victoria until 1901
Edward VII until 1910
George V remainder.
What type of role did monarchs take in government in 1780?
Active role
What did George III do to increase his influence?
Expanded his powers of patronage- appointed Lord Shelbourne and more successfully Pitt as PMs.
What was George IV’s influence like?
Similarly high to George III.
What did George IV propose and later oppose?
Catholic Emancipation.
Evidence of William IV exerting power over parliament?
Dissolved parliament, appointed Duke of Wellington PM (unpopular).
What was William IV forced to do in his later years as monarch?
Succumb to parliament; followed Grey’s request to appoint more peers 1831.
What do the years 1780-1832 signify about the crown?
Its power beginning to diminish, but was still high.
What reduced in the House of Commons after 1832?
The number of ‘placemen’.
What idea became more widely accepted after 1832?
The idea that the crown should have limited influence over politics.
Who does William IV make PM after the great reform act? When?
Peel; unsuccessful: 100 days ministry and then is forced to resign.
What is Victoria’s only real involvement in politics?
Bedchamber Crisis 1837; resists Peel becoming PM since he wants to dismiss her ladies in waiting.
How does Victoria express her dislike of government?
States her preference for Hartington in 1880 election; parliament prevails and Gladstone is PM despite Victoria’s dislike for him.
Following 1884, when was the crown able to expand its power?
Times of weak government and war.
Who did Victoria appoint as PM after 1884? When?
Lord Rosebery 1894
What had the monarch’s choice of PM become?
Effectively a rubber stamp.
What was the nature of Edward VII and George V involvement in government?
Minor in comparison to previous monarchs.
When did George V consider overruling parliament? What is the significance?
Considers using royal veto over Irish Home Rule. Importantly DOESN’T- despite his disagreement he is unwilling to impose.
Who does George V appoint as PM? Why?
1824, Ramsay Macdonald; hung parliament made this possible.
What does the monarch’s power therefore depend on after 1884? What does this suggest?
Strength of government; hence parliament is sovereign, as monarch’s power is its subject.
HFDYA that the interest of the landed class explains the slow pace of reform?
1) interest of the landed class
2) Inconsistent pressure from below
3) Political expediency
3 main causes of reform 1780-1928?
-Popular pressure
-Political/ individual expediency
-Fear of revolution/ preservation of aristocracy.
