Evaluate the reasons for, and the consequences of, the electoral Reform Acts of 1884–1885.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the main reasons for the electoral Reform Acts of 1884–1885 and the impact of both. Reasons could include Chamberlain’s campaign to extend voting rights in rural areas, an extension of the 1867 Reform Act. It was an attempt to reduce the influence of landowners in rural areas and the power of the House of Lords. The Redistribution Act was to adjust for demographic change and remove anomalies in constituencies, for example Tiverton and Glasgow both had two MPs. The Arlington House Compact ensured that the Conservatives would accept these changes. Consequences were an increased electorate but not full democracy, two thirds of adult males were enfranchised, but plural voting remained and women were not enfranchised in general elections. One-member constituencies were established in towns under 50 000. One consequence was the more effective organization of political parties and the emergence of the “first-past-the-post” system in most constituencies. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions should be clearly stated and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates make an appraisal of the main reasons for the electoral Reform Acts of 1884-1885 and the consequences of both.