Changes in Electoral Districts:
Redistribution of Seats: The Reform Act redistributed parliamentary seats from "rotten boroughs" (small constituencies with few voters) to larger industrial cities and towns that had previously been unrepresented or underrepresented. This aimed to align representation with population distribution.
Increase in Borough Seats: The number of parliamentary seats for boroughs was increased from 144 to 225, significantly improving representation for urban areas.
Changes in Franchise:
Extension of Franchise: The Reform Act extended the voting rights to all male householders who occupied premises of a certain value within a borough. This provision widened the electorate to include the growing middle class.
Copyholders and Leaseholders: The franchise was also granted to copyholders (individuals who paid rent for land but had ownership rights) and leaseholders (long-term tenants) who met specific property value requirements.
Effect on Representation:
Rebalancing the Power: The Reform Act addressed the unequal distribution of parliamentary power, which had previously favored aristocratic landowners and privileged elites. It shifted the balance of representation towards the middle and working classes.
Reforms in Scotland and Ireland:
Scotland and Ireland also saw changes in representation, although to a lesser extent compared to England. Some boroughs were disfranchised, and more seats were allocated to counties and larger cities.
Significance:
The Reform Act of 1832 marked a significant step forward in democratizing the electoral system in Britain. It was the first major electoral reform since the 15th century and paved the way for further democratic reforms in the years to come.
The act expanded the right to vote to a larger segment of the population, addressing the demands for greater political participation. Although it did not establish universal suffrage, it set the stage for future reforms that would eventually lead to a broader democratic franchise in the United Kingdom.