Theme 2 - Changing influences in Parliament Flashcards
(12 cards)
Examples of the Crown’s influence in Parliament in 1780.
- Could appoint government ministers (i.e. the PM)
- Patronage - offering offices and peerages in return for support
What role did George III take in politics?
A direct role. As well as selecting the prime minister, he influenced parliament through patronage, by promising offices and peerages to MPs in retun for political support.
In 1776, he recommended 10 new peerages to be created - 7 of these were MPs to whom he had made earlier promises.
What led to the passing of the economical reforms in 1780s?
By 1780, there was a growing concern over the way that the King was able to influence gov through patronage. It was further exemplified by the gov’s failure in the American War of Independence. The war had been funded by increasing taxes but politicians pointed out that contracts for military supplies had been given to family and friends of Mps to win support for the gov. This led to accusations of corruption and inefficiency.
What was the economical reform in 1780?
It proposed that ‘the power of the crown has increased, is increasing and out to be diminished.’ It proposed reducing the number of offices that could be awarded, and was ‘economical’ in the sense that it would reduce governmental costs. The bill was passed successfully.
Why did the Crown’s power decrease 1780-1801?
In 1782, an alliance government between Lord North and the radical Charles James Fox formed. George III refused to support them with patronage, which weakened their government, and later dismissed them.
George appointed William Pitt the Younger as PM. Pitt had a small following since the majority had supported North and Foxand refused to support a replacement gov. Pitt had to build a coalition - this led to the rise of cabinet govs, where decisions were made in discussion with the Cabinet.
Pitt won a majority in 1784. Thr growth of his Cabinet, combined with the weakened importance of patronage meant the Crown became less influential in politics.
What was the ‘Bedchamber Crisis’ and what did it demonstrate about the monarch’s power?
Victoria agreed to appoint Peel over a minority Tory government, but Peel refused to accept unless the Queen’s companions, mainly wives of Whig ministers, were replaced with Tory wives. Victoria refused and Melbourne instead formed a Whig government. This established the clear boundaries of the consitiutional monarchy. It showed the monarch could not freely appoint minority govs but also parliament had a limited influence over the monarch.
What happened in 1834 and 1880, that showed the Crown losing control over the choice of PM?
Following the tensions over teh 1832 Reform Act, William IV removed Melbourne as PM of a majority Whig Parliament, and attempted to replace him with Robert Peel in a Tory cabinet. This failed and Melbourne was reappointed.
In 1880 Queen Victoria wanted to appoint Lord Hartington as PM, but was pressured by the Liberals into appointing Gladstone. This demonstrated that the parties now had more power than the monarch.
How did the 1832 Reform Act demonstrate that the power of the aristocracy and Crown were decreasing?
It undermined the role of the Crown and aristocracy. Popuar pressure was instrumental. The King was pressured to agree to create sufficient new members of the HOL to push the bill through if the HOL blocked it. Both the Lords and the Kin had been intimidated by Grey and the reformist movement. The Lords backed down on a bill they had twice rejected.
How did the 1872 Act reduce the power of local aristocratic patrons?
It prevented them from knowing how their tenants and workforce voted.
How did the 1883 Act reduce the power of the aristocrats?
It limited how aristocratic wealth could be used to influence elections.
What changes did the 1911 Parliament Act introduce?
- The HOL could only delay a bill for 2 years, after which it would be passed. This severely weakened their ability to block laws.
- The HOL could not delay or amend a financial bill.
- The time between general elections was reduced from 7 years to a maximum of 5 years.
- Salaries of £400 were introduced for MPs, making the role accessible to working-class representatives.
- The HOL would remain unelected and hereditary.
