Greater Democracy

Definition

Greater Democracy refers to the expansion of political participation and representation in government, aimed at increasing the influence of ordinary citizens in the decision-making processes. This concept emerged as Britain moved toward a more inclusive political system during the 19th century, marked by reforms that aimed to reduce the power of the aristocracy and allow broader segments of society to engage in governance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Reform Act of 1832 was pivotal in reshaping Britain's electoral system, granting voting rights to previously excluded segments of society.
2. Greater Democracy in Britain was influenced by various social movements and pressures from groups demanding more political representation.
3. The rise of political parties like the Liberal and Labour parties during this period was a direct result of the push for greater participation in politics.
4. Women's suffrage movements later emerged as part of the broader struggle for Greater Democracy, culminating in partial voting rights for women by the early 20th century.
5. The expansion of democracy was often met with resistance from conservative factions that feared losing power and influence over British politics.

Review Questions

• How did the Reform Act of 1832 contribute to the concept of Greater Democracy in Britain?
  • The Reform Act of 1832 significantly advanced Greater Democracy by expanding voting rights to more men, especially those from the burgeoning middle class. It reformed the electoral system by redistributing parliamentary seats from less populated areas to industrial cities, thus reflecting changes in population dynamics. This act laid the groundwork for future reforms that would continue to widen the electorate and promote greater political participation.
• Evaluate the impact of Chartism on Britain's path towards Greater Democracy.
  • Chartism was a critical movement that highlighted popular demands for political reform and greater representation. The movement called for six key points, including universal male suffrage and secret ballots, pushing these ideas into public discourse. Although Chartism did not achieve immediate success, it raised awareness about democratic rights and set the stage for future reforms by mobilizing working-class citizens and creating pressure on the government.
• Analyze how the fight for women's suffrage intersected with the broader movement for Greater Democracy in Britain.
  • The fight for women's suffrage was an integral part of Greater Democracy as it challenged traditional gender roles and expanded the definition of who should participate in governance. This struggle gained momentum through both peaceful protests and more radical actions, ultimately leading to partial voting rights for women in 1918. The intersectionality of these movements highlights how demands for equality influenced each other, showing that achieving Greater Democracy meant recognizing and addressing various social injustices present within society.

Related terms

Reform Act of 1832:

A significant piece of legislation in Britain that extended voting rights to a greater number of men, particularly from the middle class, marking a critical step towards Greater Democracy.

Chartism:

A working-class movement in Britain during the 1830s and 1840s that sought political reforms, including universal male suffrage and the secret ballot, reflecting the push for Greater Democracy.

Universal Suffrage:

The right of all adult citizens to vote, regardless of gender or property ownership, which became a key goal in the movement toward Greater Democracy.