AQA · A-Level · History
Course version: 7042 · Version from Sept 2017
Britain, c1783–1885 – Pressure for change, c1783–1812: The British…
Full specification wording
1F Industrialisation and the people: Britain, c1783–1885 – Pressure for change, c1783–1812: The British political system in 1783: government and representation; national and local democracy; Whigs and Tories
In 1783, the British political system was an uncodified constitutional monarchy dominated by the landed elite.
Checked against the AQA 7042 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 6
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
In 1783, the British political system was an uncodified constitutional monarchy dominated by the landed elite. Government consisted of the Crown, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons. Representation was highly unequal; the franchise was restricted by property qualifications, meaning only a fraction of adult men could vote. National democracy was virtually non-existent, with 'rotten boroughs' like Old Sarum returning MPs despite having few voters, while growing industrial towns had none. Local democracy varied, with power often held by unelected magistrates or closed corporations. Politically, the system was divided between the Whigs, who championed parliamentary supremacy, and the Tories, who traditionally supported the royal prerogative.
What earns the marks
- Explain the structure of government in 1783, highlighting the balance of power between the monarch, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons.
- Analyse the flaws in representation, specifically the restricted franchise and the maldistribution of parliamentary seats across the country.
- Evaluate the extent of national and local democracy, noting the influence of patronage, pocket boroughs, and unelected local magistrates.
- Distinguish between the ideological and practical differences of the Whigs and Tories in the late eighteenth century.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Assuming Britain was a democracy in 1783.
Put it right by explaining that it was an oligarchy dominated by the landed aristocracy with a highly restricted franchise.
Confusing eighteenth-century Whigs and Tories with modern political parties.
Put it right by describing them as loose factions based on patronage and broad ideological leanings rather than disciplined parties.
Overstating the absolute power of the monarch.
Put it right by noting that while George III retained significant influence, particularly in choosing ministers, he had to work within parliamentary constraints.
Exam tips
- Use specific examples of unrepresentative constituencies, such as Old Sarum or Dunwich, to illustrate the lack of national democracy.
- When discussing the Whigs and Tories, focus on their differing attitudes towards royal prerogative and parliamentary sovereignty.
- Link the limitations of local and national representation to the growing pressure for parliamentary reform in the late eighteenth century.
Try the lesson
The start of the 1F Industrialisation and the people: Britain, c1783–1885 – Pressure for change, c1783–1812: The British political system in 1783: government and representation; national and local democracy; Whigs and Tories lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which of the following best describes the state of the parliamentary franchise in Britain in 1783?
Listen
In 1783, the British political system was an uncodified constitutional monarchy dominated by the landed elite. Government consisted of the Crown, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons. Representation was highly unequal; the franchise was restricted by property qualifications, meaning only a fraction of adult men could vote. National democracy was virtually non-existent, with 'rotten boroughs' like Old Sarum returning MPs despite having few voters, while growing industrial towns had none. Local democracy varied, with power often held by unelected magistrates or closed corporations. Politically, the system was divided between the Whigs, who championed parliamentary supremacy, and the Tories, who traditionally supported the royal prerogative. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explain the structure of government in 1783, highlighting the balance of power between the monarch, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons. Analyse the flaws in representation, specifically the restricted franchise and the maldistribution of parliamentary seats across the country. Evaluate the extent of national and local democracy, noting the influence of patronage, pocket boroughs, and unelected local magistrates. Distinguish between the ideological and practical differences of the Whigs and Tories in the late eighteenth century. A common slip: Assuming Britain was a democracy in 1783. Instead, explaining that it was an oligarchy dominated by the landed aristocracy with a highly restricted franchise. Exam tip: Use specific examples of unrepresentative constituencies, such as Old Sarum or Dunwich, to illustrate the lack of national democracy.
See it
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Representation and franchise
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Monarchical power versus parliamentary authority
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Political factions and patronage
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Oligarchy and the landed elite
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Representation and franchise
- Representation was highly unequal and the franchise was restricted by property qualifications, so only a fraction of adult men could vote.
- Monarchical power versus parliamentary authority
- The Whigs championed parliamentary supremacy, while the Tories traditionally supported the royal prerogative.
- Political factions and patronage
- The system was divided between the Whigs and the Tories, described as loose factions based on patronage and broad ideological leanings.
- Oligarchy and the landed elite
- Britain was an oligarchy dominated by the landed aristocracy, with an uncodified constitutional monarchy and a highly restricted franchise.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
There is more to this lesson
The full lesson goes on to check your understanding and help you earn the marks. Create a free account to carry on, with your progress saved.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge
Test your understanding of 1F Industrialisation and the people: Britain, c1783–1885 – Pressure for change, c1783–1812: The British political system in 1783: government and representation; national and local democracy; Whigs and Tories
Active recall beats re-reading. Take an instant quiz now to test what you’ve learned and lock it into long-term memory.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge