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The development of democracy and the vote

Study note

Democracy in Britain developed slowly over a long period rather than appearing all at once. At the start of the 19th century, only a small number of men who owned property were allowed to vote. Over time the right to vote, which is called the franchise, was gradually widened, first to more men and later to women. So it is not true that everyone in the UK has always been able to vote.

Some key dates are worth learning. In 1918 women aged over 30 first gained the vote. Then in 1928 women won the vote on the same terms as men, giving equal voting rights. Later, in 1969, the voting age was lowered to 18, where it remains for general elections. For the test, remember 1918 for women over 30, 1928 for equal voting with men, and 1969 for the voting age of 18.

Memory tip: Women voted from 1918 (over 30), equal with men in 1928, voting age cut to 18 in 1969.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 6

In which year did women in the UK get the right to vote on the same terms as men?

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Show all questions and answers for The development of democracy and the vote(6 questions with explanations)

The development of democracy and the vote: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. In which year did women in the UK get the right to vote on the same terms as men?

    • 1900
    • 1969
    • 1918
    • 1928

    Correct answer: 1928

    Women won the vote on the same terms as men in 1928.

  2. 2. In which year was the voting age lowered to 18?

    • 1948
    • 1918
    • 1969
    • 1928

    Correct answer: 1969

    The voting age was lowered to 18 in 1969.

  3. 3. At the start of the 19th century, only a small number of men who owned property could vote.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. The vote was limited to a small group of property-owning men before reform widened it.

  4. 4. In which year did women aged over 30 first gain the right to vote?

    • 1928
    • 1918
    • 1969
    • 1900

    Correct answer: 1918

    Women over 30 gained the vote in 1918, and equal voting rights with men in 1928.

  5. 5. Which of these statements is correct?

    • Everyone in the UK has always been able to vote
    • The right to vote was widened gradually over many years

    Correct answer: The right to vote was widened gradually over many years

    The franchise was extended gradually, first to more men and then to women.

  6. 6. Which of these statements is correct?

    • Women won the vote on the same terms as men in 1928
    • Women have never been allowed to vote in the UK

    Correct answer: Women won the vote on the same terms as men in 1928

    Women gained the vote on equal terms with men in 1928.

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