A wider franchise and debates over suffrage

When was the ‘Great Reform Act’ and what was it?

• 1832

• Extended the vote to more men by standardising property qualifications (made the property qualifications the same everywhere)

When was the first Representation of the People Act and what did it consist of?

• 1918

• Property qualifications for men were largely abolished

• All men aged 21+ were given the vote

• Women 30+ meeting property qualifications (or husbands property qualifications)

What influenced the 1918 Representation of the People Act to widen the suffrage to women?

• Following WW1, women had contributed hugely during the war by working and therefore were granted to vote

• Fear of the return of the suffragettes violent campaigning following the war

When was the second Representation of the People Act and what was it?

• 1928

• Equalised the voting rights of men and women and widened the suffrage to all men and women 21+

When was the third Representation of the People Act and what was it?

• 1969

• Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18

What is the difference between the Suffragists and the Suffragettes?

• The Suffragists used peaceful tactics to campaign for the votes for women e.g petitioning, peaceful demonstrations, debates in the HOC

• The Suffragettes used violent, extreme tactics to campaign for women’s votes e.g burning and vandalism of property, attempted assassination, hunger strike in prison

Who was the leader of the Suffragists?

Millicent Fawcett

Who was the leader of the Suffragettes?

Emmeline Pankhurst

Who had a larger membership of the Suffragists and Suffragettes?

• Suffragists (approx 50,000 compared to the Suffragettes approx 5.000)

What were the successes of the Suffragists?

• Grew widespread support

• Majority of MP’s were in favour of extending the franchise

What were the successes of the Suffragettes?

• Gained huge public attention and fear- scared them into extending the franchise?

• Forced the issue into public debate

When were 16 year olds first allowed the vote in the UK?

• In Scotland 2015 (for Scottish Parliament and local elections)

• In Wales 2020 (for local elections)

Who supports lowering the voting age to 16 across the UK?

• Groups such as UK Youth Parliament, Votes at 16 Coalition

• Some political parties e.g Labour, Green, Lib Dems

What are the main arguments FOR lowering the voting age to 16?

• Young people are mature enough to make decisions

• Decisions made by parliament now will affect their future

• Encourages political engagement

• Many already pay tax and work

What are the main arguments AGAINST lowering the voting age to 16?

• Could lead to lower turnouts

• Some 16 year olds lack enough life experience and maturity

• Education about politics should improve