The Growth of Democracy

What you need to know

• Why Britain was undemocratic in the 1800s and early 1900s.

• Steps which were taken to make Britain a more democratic country.

• The reasons for the decision to give women the vote in 1918

What is a democracy?

• With a partner discuss what is meant by the term ‘Democracy’.

• What key features would you expect in a democratic country?

Democracy????

Freedom ofpress

Fair legalsystem

Freedom of assembly

The right to votein fair elections

Freedom of Speech

Democracy

Why was Britain Undemocratic?

• Write down 3 reasons why Britain was not a democratic country in the 1800s and early 1900s.

• Start your sentence – Britain was not democratic in the late 19th and early 20th centuries because….

Why was Britain Undemocratic?

• Only a very small percentage of the population could vote.

• Scotland was underrepresented in politics.• Voting was carried out in public which allowed

blackmail and corruption to take place.• Many areas had too many MPs representing

them and others had too few.• MPs weren’t paid so therefore only the rich could

afford to enter politics.• There were different rules in different areas for

deciding who was entitled to vote.

Making Britain more Democratic

Using Heinemann pages 69 – 71 write down 3 ways in which Britain became

more DEMOCRATIC after 1830.

Start your points – After 1830 Britain became more democratic because…

The Power of theHouse of Lords

reduced

Constituenciesreorganised so that

all areasfairly represented

MPs earninga salary

Voting takingplace insecret

More peoplebeing allowed

to vote

Towards Democracy