Chartists took their name from supporting the 'People's Charter', drawn up by William Lovett in 1838 to redress issues not dealt with by the Reform Act of 1832. Workers were resentful of low wages, high prices, and a lack of political representation. There were six main Charter issues: 1. The vote for all men (though not for women) 2. Equal electoral districts 3. Abolition of the need for MPs to own property 4. Payment of a salary to MPs 5. Secret ballot 6. Annual general elections The Charter, with one and quarter million signatures, was first presented to the House of Commons in 1839 but it was rejected in a vote by 235 to 46, a majority of 189. The Charter was presented for the second time in 1842 with three million signatures but was rejected again. It was rejected for the third and final time in 1848, the Year of Revolutions in Europe. Surprisingly the Chartist cause then declined and came to an end but the demands made in the Charter were all eventually met (except for annual general elections). Charter issues met: universal suffrage (the vote) was granted to all men and women aged 21 or over in 1928; although some groups had gained voting rights in 1867, 1884 and 1918; equal electoral districts were established from 1885 onwards; abolition of the property qualification for MPs came in 1858; MPs were paid a salary from 1911 onwards; the secret ballot was established in 1872. Today, everyone over the age of eighteen, male or female, who is a British subject, can vote in local and general elections unless they are held in prison or sectioned under the Mental Health Act. Local (council) elections are held every three years and general (parliamentary) elections are held every five years, although a government may 'go to the country' for re-election before its term of office is finished. The country is divided into roughly equal areas of population for electoral purposes which are known as constituencies; and these are sub-divided in to 'wards' for the purposes of local elections. There is a secret ballot so that no one can know or prove for which candidate anyone votes in an election. MPs receive an annual salary and expenses.They do not have to own a house to stand for Parliament. GG View the Strikes collection to find out more > |
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