The English Political System in the 1780s
THE ENGLISH POLITICAL SYSTEM IN THE 1780S.
THEME
Background to the nature of government and political parties in this period.
INTRODUCTION
Today power is exercised by the leaders of that political party which currently holds the greatest number of seats in the House of Commons. These seats are contested, usually at four- or five-year intervals, in general elections at which almost all persons of eighteen years and over are entitled to vote. The general election selects individuals. However, political party organization and discipline are so extensive that it is almost impossible for a candidate to be elected who does not represent a major party. In effect, individuals are elected in a party, not a personal capacity. When they get to Westminster they are expected to vote according to party loyalty rather than personal preference or conviction when these clash. A highly developed system of 'party whips' ensures that, in most instances, the Commons votes on party lines. Thus effective power is vested in the party rather than in a collection of individuals. Political parties are all-important. We even speak of a two-party system of government, implying that the struggle for power is between two leading parties in the state who alternate in government. Since the 1920s these have been the Conservative and Labour parties. Such a system was a recognizable feature of British political life in 1867, but not in 1780.
In strict constitutional theory, power is shared between three elements - monarchy, Lords and Commons - and in the 1780s the first two of these elements had a larger role to play. In some instances this old system still impinges on the new. Parliamentary bills require passage by the House of Lords and ratification by the monarch before they carry the force of law. The powers of the upper House have been severely circumscribed in the twentieth century. It can now delay legislation but not permanently reject it. Few ministers of
THEME
Background to the nature of government and political parties in this period.
INTRODUCTION
Today power is exercised by the leaders of that political party which currently holds the greatest number of seats in the House of Commons. These seats are contested, usually at four- or five-year intervals, in general elections at which almost all persons of eighteen years and over are entitled to vote. The general election selects individuals. However, political party organization and discipline are so extensive that it is almost impossible for a candidate to be elected who does not represent a major party. In effect, individuals are elected in a party, not a personal capacity. When they get to Westminster they are expected to vote according to party loyalty rather than personal preference or conviction when these clash. A highly developed system of 'party whips' ensures that, in most instances, the Commons votes on party lines. Thus effective power is vested in the party rather than in a collection of individuals. Political parties are all-important. We even speak of a two-party system of government, implying that the struggle for power is between two leading parties in the state who alternate in government. Since the 1920s these have been the Conservative and Labour parties. Such a system was a recognizable feature of British political life in 1867, but not in 1780.
In strict constitutional theory, power is shared between three elements - monarchy, Lords and Commons - and in the 1780s the first two of these elements had a larger role to play. In some instances this old system still impinges on the new. Parliamentary bills require passage by the House of Lords and ratification by the monarch before they carry the force of law. The powers of the upper House have been severely circumscribed in the twentieth century. It can now delay legislation but not permanently reject it. Few ministers of