Tag: constitutional history

  • Wealth, status, and power: is the franchise the same as the vote?

    Wealth, status, and power: is the franchise the same as the vote?

    By Carys Brown @HistoryCarys Wealth and status were at the heart of eighteenth century politics, so much so that those with enough of both could have significant political influence even without enfranchisement. Such was the rather peculiar position of British Catholic gentlemen, who could not vote or hold political office until 1829 because of their religion.…

  • Snap elections: a brief historical guide

    Snap elections: a brief historical guide

    A week ago UK Prime Minister Theresa May caught almost everyone by surprise by calling an election for the beginning of June. As the dust settles and the party machines grind into action,  Carys Brown (@HistoryCarys) takes a brief look at the key facts.

  • Constitutional history’s new public moment?

    Constitutional history’s new public moment?

    By Helen Sunderland (@hl_sunderland) Over recent months I’ve watched more parliamentary debates than ever before. I imagine I’m not alone. This is perhaps a bold confession for a historian of political culture – admittedly, I’m more familiar with nineteenth-century Hansard than BBC Parliament. Numerous historical parallels have been drawn over Brexit, some more accurate than…