Political and civil rights

Civil and political rights:

Civil or political rights prevent the government having too much power over individuals.

DEMOCRACY = RULE BY THE PEOPLE

The UK is a representative democracy - the people elect representatives (MPs or Members of Parliament) to make the decisions that affect everyone. We vote to elect a national government every 4 or 5 years.

By 1969, everyone over 18 had the right to vote - there are a few exceptions e.g. prisoners can't vote. This is sometimes called universal suffrage. During the 19th and 20th centuries, groups campaingned for this right and their protests eventually reformed the electoral system.

MORE AND MORE PEOPLE GRADUALY GOT THE VOTE

Towards the end of the 17th century, parliament took control from the monarchy. Before that the UK was an ABSOLUTE MONARCHY = the king or queen had all the power.

In the 19th century, a series of REFORM ACTS led to all parts of the country being fairly represented in Pariament and more and more men being allowed to vote - originally it…