The Ballot Act 1872, The corrupt and Illegal Practices Act 1883, Representation of the People Act 18
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The Ballot Act 1872

While the Second Reform Act gradually moved the nation closer to Democracy, the electoral system still had to free itself from bribery and corruption. The chartists demanded a ballot to replace the tradition of public declaration, but it was not until the late 1860s a more democratic method was introduced.

Effects of the Ballot Act

à Once voting was done in secret, intimidation declined

à But it also has to be remembered that corruption was not totally eradicated

The corrupt and Illegal Practices Act 1883

This piece of legislation covered the gaps in the Ballot Act of 1872 by establishing:

à What campaign money could be spent on

à The election agents had to account for their spending

à A detailed definition of illegal and corrupt practices

The Act also imposed harsh penalties on people who indulged in such behaviour

Representation of the People Act 1884

The Act expanded the franchise by 50%. The electorate was now increased from 2.5 million to 5 million. Although this Act greatly widened the electorate it did not give Britain the democracy it yearned for, men did not have total enfranchisement and women did not have a parliamentary voice as no women had the franchise.

Other Notes in this Category

1. 1885 Redistribution Act
2. Compare the attitude of the Liberal and Tory Parties to parliamentary reform before 1867
3. Explain how the Reform Union differed from the Reform League
4. How Democratic was Britain by 1914?
5. Overview of Growth of Democracy
6. Reform between 1832 and 1886
7. The Ballot Act 1872, The corrupt and Illegal Practices Act 1883, Representation of the People Act 18
8. To what extent was the Electoral system democratic in 1850?
9. Why did the demand for parliamentary reform grow between 1850 and 1867?

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