The Significance of Parliamentary Reform (1867-1885)

Continuing Calls for Reform (1867-1885)

The Second Reform Act was passed in 1867, doubling the electorate and introducing more working-class voters into the political landscape.
Despite the reforms, there were continued calls for changes. Groups like the National Reform Union and National League for the Defence of Constitutional Rights kept clamouring for further parliamentary adjustments.
Mass political movements like Chartism persisted, putting more pressure on the government for broader political inclusion.

The Reform Act of 1884 and Redistribution Act 1885

The Reform Act of 1884 brought voting rights in the countryside in line with those in the towns, substantially increasing the rural electorate.
Additionally, the Redistribution Act of 1885 redrew constituency borders and made most of them single-member seats, promoting equal representation.
This highlighted the shift towards ‘one person, one vote’, a fundamental principle of democracy.

Significance of the 1867 and 1884/5 Reforms

These reforms are considered a significant milestone in the democratization of Britain. They signaled gradual changes in attitudes towards working-class citizenship.
They led to a notable shift in party dynamics as political parties had to consider the interests of a broader range of voters.
The emergence of the secret ballot (1872) meant voters could now express their views without fear, hence reducing the instance of bribery and corruption.

Challenges and Limitations of the Reforms

Despite these changes, it’s crucial to remember that the electorate was still not universal. Many adult males and all women were still denied the vote.
There were also structural problems in the political system. Corrupt practices, such as bribery and intimidation, persisted particularly in the boroughs.
Party organisations remained relatively weak and lacked mass appeal, as there was still no proper system for the registration of political parties.

Legacy of the Reforms

The reforms laid the groundwork for further democratic improvements in the 20th century, including the Representation of the People Acts of 1918 and 1928 giving the vote to all adult men and women over 21.
These Reform Acts are seen as stepping stones towards modern democracy, contributing to the evolution of a more equitable political system in Britain.