Constitutional reform lib democracy

• Constitutional reform/liberal democracy

  Passion for ongoing constitutional change
• Modern liberalism


  Wants to reform as well as extend the state
• Demands include

  • Written or codified constitution
  • Devolution of power from central to regional government
  • Electoral reform (proportional representation)
  • More accountable House of Lords
• Liberal democracy

  Completing the link between core liberal values and universal adult suffrage
• 1918 Liberal PM Lloyd George


  • Gave votes to women
  • Liberals want to lower voting age to 16
• Direct democracy

  Referendums threaten the 'tyranny of the majority
• Representative democracy


  Modern liberals willing to dilute to protect liberal values
• Modern liberals support

  • UK's Human Rights Act (transferred powers from elected representatives to unelected judges)
  • The EU