This page discusses changes which helped improve equal representation to Britain, examining the strengths and weaknesses of these reforms in achieving democracy.

2. Equal representationEqual representation
In a democracy all adults
should have one equal vote.
No one person should have
more or opportunities to
take part in the democratic
process.
This is equal representation.

3. Second Reform Act,Second Reform Act,
18671867 andand
Redistribution ofRedistribution of
Seats Act, 1885Seats Act, 1885
Took away more seats
from small rural areas (all
seats with less than 15,000
were abolished after 1885).
Gave more MPs to certain
areas e.g. Scotland gained
more MPs.

4. 1885, Redistribution of1885, Redistribution of
Seats ActSeats Act
Rural areas still had more
representatives than they
should.
Plural voting still existed.
Result was more upper class
MPs as there were fewer
parliamentary seats.

5. The Houses
of
Parliament
House of Commons House of Lords

6. Parliament Act, 1911Parliament Act, 1911
Reduced power of the
House of Lords by only
allowing them to delay a
law for up to two years
(one year after 1948).
Also, stopped House of
Lords blocking ‘money
bills’ (the Budget).

7. Parliament Act, 1911Parliament Act, 1911
Lords were not elected and
could still delay laws the
elected government wanted
to enact.
Laws could be delayed for
up to two years.