Development of the British Constitution

• 1. Absolute monarchy: monarch was dictator, individual rights were very low priority, Monarch has Privy Councillors but didn't always listen to them. Parliament was weak
• 2. Constitutional Monarchy 17th Century: Parliament were more assertive and after the restoration and the glorious revolution the monarch had some powers transferred to parliament. Franchise was still limited
• Franchise = the right to vote
• 3. Restricted Democracy 19th Century: franchise begins to widen with the Great Reform Act (1832) and the Second Great reform act (1867). Monarchy only had ceremonial powers and the PM is the most important
• 4. Liberal Democracy 20th Century: women given equal voting rights after 1928, big change made by simple vote in Parliament. Suffragettes and Trade Union Movements shows importance of pressure groups
• Modern Democracy 21st Century: civil liberties set into constitution with Human Rights Act and Freedom of Information Act. Increased use of referendums for important issues, devolution lessens centralisation of power
• other countries with uncodified constitutions: Canada, New Zealand, Israel