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A Wider Franchise and Debates Over Suffrage

Q: What role did young people in Scotland play in the 2014 voting age debate?

In 2014, many young people supported the 'Yes' campaign. Aged 16-19, they primarily backed remaining in the UK. 64% of this group voted 'No.'

Q: What action was taken by the group 'Make It 16' in 2022?

In 2022, the 'Make It 16' group took their case for voting at 16 to the New Zealand Supreme Court.

Q: Why do supporters find arguments for lowering the voting age convincing?

Empirical evidence shows no significant election impact. Democracy benefits from increased youth participation and civic health. It resolves inconsistencies between responsibilities and voting rights.

74 important questions on A Wider Franchise and Debates Over Suffrage

What role did young people in Scotland play in the 2014 voting age debate?

In 2014, many young people supported the "Yes" campaign.
Aged 16-19, they primarily backed remaining in the UK.
64% of this group voted "No."

When have 16 and 17-year-olds in Scotland been allowed to vote?

Since 2016, they can vote in Scottish Parliamentary and local elections.

What were the trends in voting behavior for 18-24 year-olds in the UK during the 1997 and 2001 general elections?

18-24 year-olds showed particularly low turnout.
This trend was observed during the 1997 and 2001 general elections in the UK.

What significance did the 1832 Reform Act have on voting rights?

Extended the franchise to more people.
Benefited small landowners and shopkeepers.
Marked a key step in the evolution of voting rights.

What has the Votes at 16 Coalition been actively doing since the early 2000s?

Actively campaigning for lowering the voting age.
Received support from Members of Parliament (MPs) and organizations.

What action was taken by the group "Make It 16" in 2022?

In 2022, the "Make It 16" group took their case for voting at 16 to the New Zealand Supreme Court.

What are some implementation challenges in civic education identified by recent evidence from Wales?

Evidence from Wales shows implementation challenges due to:
- Low registration rates
- Inadequate civic infrastructure
The Institute for Government noted the absence of a robust UK plan.

How did the early 20th-century campaign for women's voting rights influence society?

Became a major political issue.
Increased awareness and advocacy for women's suffrage.
Changed public perceptions on women's roles in society.

Why do supporters find arguments for lowering the voting age convincing?

Empirical evidence shows no significant election impact.
Democracy benefits from increased youth participation and civic health.
It resolves inconsistencies between responsibilities and voting rights.

How might parental influence affect the voting habits of young individuals?

Research suggests parental influence on 16- and 17-year-olds' voting habits.
This influence may hinder the development of independent political views in young people.

What was the impact of women's contributions during 1914-1918 on public opinion?

Influenced attitudes towards voting rights.
Recognized women's roles during the war.
Helped to sway public opinion positively.

What are the benefits of lowering the voting age to 16 according to recent research?

Voter Habit Formation: Scottish study shows those voting at 16 maintain this habit into their 20s.
Youth Engagement: More youth engagement in politics, evidenced in countries like Austria.
Civic Education: Integrates civic education with voting experience for school-aged youth.
Adult Responsibilities: Aligns voting rights with responsibilities like working and paying taxes.
Intergenerational Bias: UNICEF highlights the need for young people to decide on their future.

What are the main concerns critics have about lowering the voting age?

Maturity concerns: Doubts about 16-17 year-olds' judgment capabilities.
Manipulation risks: Perceived left-leaning bias among younger voters; UK political accusations.

How did the 1918 Representation of the People Act change voting rights?

Extended the vote to men aged 21 and above.
Women aged 30 and above gained voting rights.
Significant step for women's suffrage.

What factors influence young people's participation in politics according to the notes?

Factors affecting participation:
1. Voting Age: Debates over appropriate age.
2. Life Stages: University, career.
3. Social Circles: New influences.
4. Long-term: Engagement beyond future voting.

How did the Scottish independence referendum impact youth political engagement?

Boost in Engagement: The 2014 referendum notably increased political involvement among newly enfranchised 16- and 17-year-olds.
Political Discussions: Young people became more active in political discussions with peers and family.

What arguments were made by opponents of women's suffrage?

Criticized the morals of women.
Questioned their maturity.
Viewed women as unfit for contemporary society.

What does the evidence suggest about lowering the voting age?

Findings indicate lowering the voting age positively impacts voting habits.
16-17 year-olds develop habits influencing long-term political engagement.
Greater exposure to voting early increases future turnout likelihood.

What argument is made regarding young people and their responsibilities?

Existing Responsibilities: At 16-17, individuals can work, pay taxes, marry, and join the military.
Voting Rights Alignment: Voting should align with these established adult responsibilities, highlighted during the UK’s 2024 election.

What happened to young people’s voting rights during World War II?

During 1939-1945, ages 18-21 were briefly enfranchised.
Demonstrated wartime necessity.
Highlighted young people's potential political impact.

What did the Representation of the People Act 1918 achieve in the UK?

Representation of the People Act 1918:
- Extended vote to women over 30 with property qualifications.
- Extended voting rights to more working men.
- Marked significant electoral reform by removing most property qualifications.

How does early voting influence political participation?

Voting at 16-17 nurtures engagement among young people.
Builds formative habits crucial for lifelong participation.
Disrupts typical age-related voting patterns, promoting consistent turnout.

How does lowering the voting age address intergenerational bias?

UNICEF's Viewpoint: Younger voters should have a say in decisions impacting their long-term future.
Exclude Older Majority: Predominantly older voters might influence decisions younger generations will live with longest.

How did young people react to being denied voting rights before 1971?

Engaged in alternative political expressions.
Attended protests.
Some rejected democracy entirely.

What are the arguments for lowering the voting age in UK politics?

Increased political engagement of younger people.
16-17-year-olds have significant rights and responsibilities.
Young people can influence elections and offer fresh perspectives.

How did voting rights evolve between 1918 and 1928 in the UK?

Equal Franchise Act 1928:
- Lowered women's voting age to 21, equalizing with men.
- Removed previous discrepancies in voting qualifications.
- Reflected societal changes towards gender equality.

What role does education play in youth voting behavior?

Comprehensive education on political issues is key.
Helps young people discuss and engage in politics effectively.
Reduces social and educational inequalities impacting turnout.

Why is the 1960s seen as a period of social change related to voting?

Marked profound social transformation in the UK and beyond.
Included shifts in political and cultural attitudes.
Facilitated changes in voting laws and perceptions.

What recent change regarding voting age has the Green Party advocated?

Green Party proposed lowering voting age to 16.
Aims to involve young people in elections and politics.
Supports idea that young people should influence elections.

What are the concerns opponents have about lowering the voting age?

Question maturity and interests of young people.
Concern about their impact on election outcomes.
Research shows young people less likely to vote for left-center parties.

What is the significance of lowering the voting age in Scotland?

Lowering Voting Age in Scotland:
- Granting vote to 16-17-year-olds in the 2014 Independence Referendum.
- Increased youth participation in elections.
- Continued engagement in political processes into adulthood.

What patterns are observed among the 22-24 age group regarding voting?

18-21 independence referendum data shows high turnout in 22-24 age group.
Voting at a young age correlates with higher turnout later.
Sustained engagement observed over voting years.

What change occurred regarding voting rights in the UK from 1970 onwards?

People aged 18-21 gained voting rights in general elections.
Marked a significant democratic expansion.
Reflected changing views on youth participation.

What do the Conservatives say about lowering the voting age?

The Conservative party might argue to keep the current voting age at 18.
They believe maturity and responsibility are important.
Concerns include differentiating youth political views from party popularity.

What is required to vote in elections according to the document?

Responsibility to register to vote.
Eligibility depends on being able to register.
Voter cards needed to identify voters.

What did the Great Reform Act of 1832 introduce?

Broadened the electorate and reformed voting eligibility.
Created clearer constituencies.
Made voting more accessible in England and Wales.

Describe the voting patterns of young people in Scotland after enfranchisement.

Youth Voting Patterns:
- Young people aged 16-17 participated in high numbers.
- More likely to engage and continue voting.
- 2021 Scottish Parliament election saw higher participation rates among them compared to older peers.

What are the views on lowering the UK voting age to 16?

Lowering to 16 allows more youth participation.
Supported by parties like Labour, Liberal Democrats, and Green.
2017 estimates: 1.5 million 16-17 year-olds in the UK.
They form 2.87% of the population aged 16+.
Conservatives against lowering for general elections.

What is the Labour Party's stance on lowering the voting age?

The Labour Party supports lowering the voting age to 16.
They cite evidence from Scotland showing increased engagement.
Young people influencing decisions is seen as a right.

What has been extended to 16-year-olds in Wales concerning elections?

Welsh Assembly elections allow voting from 16.
Follows changes allowing more young people to participate in politics.

How did voting change after the Great Reform Act?

Voting was limited prior to the Act.
Two-thirds of MPs were elected unopposed.
The Act made competitive voting more possible.

What does the graph show about voter registration in UK general elections from 1885 to 2015?

Shows the proportion of the population registered to vote.
Dramatic increase around 1918, likely due to women's suffrage.
Stabilization near 80-90% from the mid-20th century.
Slight decline after 2000.

Has the voting age been lowered to 16 in any part of the UK?

16-year-olds vote in Scotland since 2014.
Implemented ahead of the first independence referendum.
Other parties advocate similar changes for the UK.

What were the Liberal Democrats' views on voting age in 2014?

The Liberal Democrats wanted to extend the vote to those under 18.
Paul Burstow, the then Deputy Leader, claimed young people lacked life experience for sound judgments.
Advocated for political education instead.

What is the voting age for UK Parliament elections?

Voting age for UK Parliament is 18.
Applies to regular and crime commissioner elections in England and Wales.

What were the effects of the 1867 Reform Act?

Extended the vote to more men.
Included working-class men.
Almost doubled the electorate in some areas of the UK.

When was the percentage of eligible voters as a share of total population first over 50%?

1922: Eligible voters were 47.8%
1923: Eligible voters were 48.1%
1929: Eligible voters were 51.9% exceeding 50% for the first time.

How does the voting age vary across different UK elections?

Voting age is generally 18 for UK-wide and reserved elections.
For devolved governments like Scotland and Wales, voting age can be 16.

What are the arguments for allowing votes at 16?

Legal rights at 16: Marriage, armed forces, sexual consent, medical treatment.
Political participation: Citizenship lessons, Scottish referendum involvement.
International examples: Voting in Malta, Germany, Norway.
Youth engagement: Increased political interest, early voter involvement.

From 1885 to 2015, which year had the highest percentage of eligible voters as a share of the total population?

The highest percentage was in 1987 with 76.1% of eligible voters.

How did the percentage of eligible voters change from 1970 to 1983?

1970: 70.7%
1974: 71.3%
1979: 73%
1983: 74.9%

What was significant about the suffragette movement in the UK?

Emphasized women's voting rights a decade before achieving it.
Impacted UK politics by linking political reform with social equality.
Important for shaping contemporary political values.

What are the arguments against allowing votes at 16?

Limited rights: Restricted employment, military service until full-time education ends.
Maturity concern: Views potentially influenced by parents or adults.
Few countries allow it: Channel Islands, Brazil, Austria.
Political maturity: Ensuring informed decisions without bias.

What factors contributed to sympathy and recognition for imprisoned suffragettes?

Sympathy grew due to their strength.
Hunger strikes led to force-feeding.
Visible public display of their hardship.
Gained support from liberals of the day.
Recognized for wartime contributions.

What is the current argument regarding voting rights at age 16 in the UK?

Groups argue for voting rights at 16.
16 and 17-year-olds voted in the Scottish referendum in 2014.
Most parties, except Conservatives, favor lowering the age.

What trend is seen in the percentage of eligible voters from 2001 to 2015?

2001: 75.1%
2005: 73.2%
2010: 72.7%
2015: 71.2%
The trend shows a decline.

How did the exclusion of women from the franchise impact political representation in the UK?

Women excluded until late 19th century.
Represented by husbands' votes.
1867 Reform Act extended male vote but excluded women.
Movement for suffrage emerged, advocating change through petitions and lobbying.

How did World War I affect the women's suffrage movement in the UK?

Women's effort supported the war campaign.
Wartime work changed public perception.
1918 Representation of the People Act passed.
Women over 30 with property rights could vote.
Contributed to the electoral process.

How did the UK government respond to extending voting rights to 16-year-olds?

Conducted a study via the Electoral Commission.
Report did not support change.
Labour Party voiced support, but no legislative change yet.

What changes occurred in the voting system from 1867 to 1884?

1867: Borough householders like tradesmen enfranchised.
Electorate increased to 2 million, 13% of adult population.
1884: Rural householders, like farm workers and miners enfranchised.
Electorate over 5 million, 25% of adult population.

What role did the Suffragettes and Suffragists play in demanding women's suffrage?

Suffragists used peaceful methods: petitions and lobbying.
Suffragettes believed progress was too slow, used direct action.
Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) led radical protests.

What were the controversies around the female suffrage movements?

Debates over the effectiveness exist.
Recognition for contributions was delayed.
Violent methods viewed negatively.
Alienated potential supporters.
Argued to slow down the progress of women’s rights.

What did the Great Reform Act of 1832 achieve regarding suffrage and property?

Maintained property ownership/rental as a requirement for franchise admission.
Voting seen as a citizen's right only from 1918 onward.
No suffrage for women initially.
Class and gender were voting barriers.
Exclusion based on ethnicity was not specified.

What were the key developments in voting rights in 1918 and 1928?

1918: Enfranchised men over 21 and women over 30.
75% of adult population can vote.
1928: Equal voting terms for men and women.
Both sexes can vote at 21, full adult suffrage.

What tactics did the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) employ for women's suffrage?

WSPU used radical and militant tactics.
Employed drama, publicity, direct action.
Attacked property, disrupted meetings.
Public stunts: Emily Davison threw herself into the Epsom Derby as protest.

What issue did the distribution of parliamentary seats face in the early 19th century?

Distribution mismatched with economic growth and population movement.
Industrial towns lacked representation.
Plural voting favored property owners.
Many women excluded despite property ownership.
Electorate was about 650,000 by early 19th century.

What significant changes occurred in the electoral system in 1948 and 1969?

1948: Plural voting ended, establishing "One person, one vote."
1969: Voting age reduced to 18.
Reflected changing attitudes about adulthood.

What defines suffrage in the UK?

Suffrage (franchise) grants the right to vote in public elections.
Adults over 18 can vote if registered.
Includes British and Irish citizens, and Commonwealth citizens living in the UK.
Excludes imprisoned individuals, detained psychiatric patients, and under-18s.

What changes did the Great Reform Act of 1832 bring?

Abolished separate representation for small boroughs.
Created seats for unrepresented cities like Manchester.
Introduced new categories of voters.
Set a standard qualification for franchise.
Increased electorate to ~5% of adult population.

Who cannot vote in UK public elections?

Under-18s, detained psychiatric patients, and those convicted of electoral fraud.
EU citizens can’t vote in general elections but may vote in local ones.
People in prison are excluded.

How did the Great Reform Act of 1832 address voter eligibility and population changes?

Recognized industrial revolution's impact.
Affected middle classes and tenant farmers.
Extended vote to more adults under strict conditions.
Vote extended for successive reform stages.
Aimed to stabilize representation with social changes.

What is the role of the European Court of Human Rights concerning UK suffrage?

The European Court of Human Rights can influence voting rights by challenging laws that bar certain individuals from voting.
Focuses on protecting human rights within the electoral process.

How did electoral reforms occur from the late Middle Ages to the early 19th century in the UK?

Key reforms aimed to widen the franchise.
Electoral system changes addressed borough and county disparities.
Developed eligibility criteria and addressed irregularities.

What were the two types of constituencies in the historical UK electoral system?

Boroughs and counties both had distinct representations.
Voting qualifications varied greatly.
Influenced by socio-economic status and land ownership.

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(1.2):A Wider Franchise and Debates Over Suffrage

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