In 1850, Britain was an undemocratic country. At this time the
Electoral system divided Boroughs and Counties. Voting qualifications
were different in boroughs and constituencies. The vote was only
given to men over the age of 21 providing their property was valued
at £10 or more, or land was more than £2 per year in rent. Seats were
distributed unequally and traditional ruling families usually formed the
Cabinet. Furthermore, bribery and corruption were widespread and
only the minority of the population were entitled to vote. At this time
There was no form of a basic education for the population masses and
There was still a lot of power lying within the House of Lords and not
With elected officials. A certain degree of money was necessary to
Stand for election because this was not a paying job, which, as a
Result stopped vast numbers of people standing for election because
The did not have the finances to support themselves. Nor were they
able to afford to stand for election as due to bribery and corruption,
the poor stood no chance of winning as they did not have the money
to provide voters with what they wanted in return for their support.
For democracy, there needed to be regular elections and although at
this time elections were every seven years, this was not often
However between 1850 and 1918, progress was made towards Britain
becoming a democracy. Now there was better communication and
education increasing political interest and this influenced people in
trade, industry and finance. Economic changes made people better off
and left them wanting to take part in politics, and be represented in
This general desire for the widening of the franchise led to pressure
The Second Reform Bill helped the Extension of the Franchise
passed in 1867. In this act, all householders who paid rates with 12
months residence and all £10 a year lodger...