To what extent was the crown involved in politics circa 1780?
System of patronage and sinecures had developed and George 3rd used extensively to support his appointed government.
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To what extent were aristocrats involved in politics circa 1780?
Almost all of both houses of parliament dominated by aristocratic families. They could deploy their wealth to influence elections in both the counties and the boroughs.
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Reasons for economic reform
1. Opposition from within and outside of parliament growing 2.Growing costs due to war with America
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Name of prominent group pressuring for economic reform
Yorkshire Association
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Name of man who started out movement towards economic reform
Edmund Burke
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What did Burke do to combat govenrment sinecures?
Used his position as paymaster of armed forces to cap his salary and abolish some royal and government sinecures
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What did Burke cap his salary at?
£4,000
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How many royal and government sinecures did Burke abolish?
130
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Which Prime Minister moved cautiously towards economic reform?
Pitt
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What was Pitt's main reason as to why he decided to introduce economic reform?
1. Continued attacks from inside parliament from Whig MP's; increased national debt due to American war 3. Increase gov. efficiency
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How did Pitt remove sinecure posts outright?
Waited until office holder died then let the position lapse
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What was the result of these actions?
Ministers had to have the support of parliament as they could no longer be supported by royal or government sinecures to MP's
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What did William 4th do to illustrate a decrease in influence?
Invited Peel to make a government in 1934 even after large Whig majority. General election called giving more seats to tories but still not eniugh. Melbourne back in government. Showed William could fall back on patronage to support his prefferred PM
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What did Victoria do to illustrate a decrease in infuence?
Bedchamber crisis
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What was the Bedchamber Crisis?
Victoria refused to allow Peel's preffered ladies of the bedchamber in and Peel refused to become PM as a result. Couldnt control who was PM
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What did George 5th do to illustrate a decrease in influence?
Constitutional Crisis-;went on advice on ministers despite his personal reservations over the issue din't use royal veto over Irish Home rule bill; helpful towards first ever Labour government-acted through encouragement
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What impact did the 1832 reform act have on aristocratic influence on the House of Commons?
Nothing, slightly increased due to more seats in the counties
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Impact of reform post 1867 on aristocratic influence in House of Commons?
As elecorate grew, they were influencd by elecotral machines of the two political parites rather than by aristocratic and middle-class interests. Working class less likely to vote for aristocrats in elections
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Impact of Ballot Act 1872 on aristocratic influence?
Meant voters less open to intimidation by their landowners who were likely to come from aristocratic families.
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Impact of Corrupt Practises Act 1883 on aristocratic influence?
Limited campaign spending which decrased amount of bribery frequently used by aristocrats during election to support their chosen candidate
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How did the function of an MP change around 1860?
Increase parliamentary inteference in public life through education and trying to improve living standards meant role of an MP became less decorative and more functional;putting aristocrats off
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How many aristocratic MP's in 1906
10% were aristocrats
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When was the Parliament act passed?
1911
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What budget sparked the move towards the Parliament Act?
'People's Budget'
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What was in the 'People's Budget'?
Tax on landed interests plus a super tax on earnings above £8,000
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What was in the Parliament Act 1911?
House of Lords could no longer amend any money bill and any bill passed by House of Commons after 3 successive sessions but rejected by the House of Lords would bybass the Upper House and become law.
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
To what extent were aristocrats involved in politics circa 1780?
Back
Almost all of both houses of parliament dominated by aristocratic families. They could deploy their wealth to influence elections in both the counties and the boroughs.
Card 3
Front
Reasons for economic reform
Back
Card 4
Front
Name of prominent group pressuring for economic reform
Back
Card 5
Front
Name of man who started out movement towards economic reform
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