The development of British democracy
How Britain Became a Democracy
Britain did not become a democracy overnight. It took centuries of struggle to get from a king who could do whatever he wanted to a system where every adult gets a vote.
Where It All Began
In 1215, King John was forced to sign Magna Carta ("Great Charter"). It said the king was not above the law and guaranteed certain rights. It was the first step towards limiting royal power.
Key Milestones
1215 — Magna Carta
King John agrees the king is not above the law.
1265 — First Parliament
Simon de Montfort calls elected representatives to meet.
1689 — Bill of Rights
Parliament wins control over the monarch.
1832 — Reform Act
More men get the vote. Rotten boroughs abolished.
1918 — Women Vote
Women over 30 and all men over 21 get the vote.
1928 — Equal Vote
Women get same voting rights as men (age 21).
1969 — Age 18
Voting age lowered from 21 to 18.
1999 — Lords Reform
Most hereditary peers removed from the House of Lords.
The English Civil War
In 1642, war broke out between King Charles I (who believed in the "divine right of kings") and Parliament (who wanted more power). Parliament won. Charles was executed in 1649. For 11 years, Britain was a republic.
The Glorious Revolution
In 1688, Parliament invited William and Mary to replace the Catholic King James II. The Bill of Rights (1689) confirmed that the monarch could not raise taxes, keep an army, or suspend laws without Parliament's agreement.
The Suffragettes
The campaign for women's votes was led by the Suffragists (peaceful) and the Suffragettes (militant, led by Emmeline Pankhurst). The Representation of the People Act 1918 gave the vote to women over 30. In 1928 women got equal voting rights. The voting age was lowered to 18 in 1969.