Chapter 5 · The UK government, the law and your role
The development of British democracy: Life in the UK test study notes
In a democracy, all adults can help to decide how the country is run. They can vote on decisions themselves, or vote for people to decide for them. Britain became a modern democracy slowly, not all at once. Around 1800, only some men could vote for MPs (Members of Parliament). A man had to be over 21. He also had to own property worth at least a fixed amount of money. In 1832, a law called the Reform Act gave more people the vote. It also took seats in Parliament away from 'rotten boroughs', places with very few voters. These seats went to the growing towns and cities instead. During the 1830s and 1840s, a movement called the Chartists ran a campaign for more change. They wanted a vote for every man, and secret ballots (voting in private). They wanted elections every year, and constituencies (voting areas) of equal size. They also wanted wages for MPs, and the right of any man to be a candidate for Parliament. Their campaign failed at the time. But by 1918, most of their demands had become law. Also in 1918, women over 30 got the vote. In 1928, women could vote at 21, just like men. In 1969, the voting age dropped to 18.
Key facts to remember
- Democracy – the adult population has a say in government, directly or through elected representatives.
- Around 1800 – the vote is restricted to men aged over 21 holding property above a set value.
- 1832 – the Reform Act increases the number of voters and gives more seats to towns and cities.
- 1830s–1840s – the Chartists campaign for reform of Parliament and the vote. At the time, their campaign is seen as a failure.
- Chartist demands – a vote for every man, secret ballots, annual elections, equal constituencies, paid MPs and the right of any man to become an MP.
- By 1918 – most of the Chartists' demands have become law.
- 1918 – women over 30 gain the right to vote.
- 1928 – women can vote at 21, the same age as men.
- 1969 – the voting age is lowered from 21 to 18.
- Update (September 2026) – a bill to lower the voting age for UK general elections to 16 has passed the House of Commons but is not yet law. 16- and 17-year-olds can already vote in Scottish and Welsh devolved and local elections.
Test yourself on chapter 5
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These notes summarise the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), which all the test questions come from. Try the free chapter 5 questions.