, HSY2601 FINAL PORTFOLIO SEMESTER 1 2026
DUE DATE: 30 APRIL 2026
Question:
Critically discuss how the gradual growth of parliamentary power in Britain during the 19th
century reflected the principles of liberal democracy. In your response, consider the influence
of the French Revolution’s legacy on British political developments and public discourse.
(3 ESSAYS PROVIDED)
The gradual growth of parliamentary power in Britain during the nineteenth century reflected key
principles of liberal democracy, particularly representation, constitutionalism, accountability, and
the steady expansion of political participation. At the beginning of the century, Britain remained
far from a democratic system. Political authority was concentrated in the monarchy and the
landed aristocracy, and the electoral system was highly unequal, with limited voting rights and
widespread underrepresentation of industrial centres. Over time, however, reforms shifted
power towards Parliament—especially the House of Commons—illustrating the liberal
democratic idea that legitimate government must be based on the consent of the governed and
constrained by law.
A major turning point in this transformation was the Reform Act of 1832, which addressed some
of the most visible inequalities in the electoral system. Prior to this reform, “rotten boroughs”
allowed a small number of voters to elect representatives, while large industrial towns lacked
adequate representation. The Act redistributed parliamentary seats and extended voting rights
DUE DATE: 30 APRIL 2026
Question:
Critically discuss how the gradual growth of parliamentary power in Britain during the 19th
century reflected the principles of liberal democracy. In your response, consider the influence
of the French Revolution’s legacy on British political developments and public discourse.
(3 ESSAYS PROVIDED)
The gradual growth of parliamentary power in Britain during the nineteenth century reflected key
principles of liberal democracy, particularly representation, constitutionalism, accountability, and
the steady expansion of political participation. At the beginning of the century, Britain remained
far from a democratic system. Political authority was concentrated in the monarchy and the
landed aristocracy, and the electoral system was highly unequal, with limited voting rights and
widespread underrepresentation of industrial centres. Over time, however, reforms shifted
power towards Parliament—especially the House of Commons—illustrating the liberal
democratic idea that legitimate government must be based on the consent of the governed and
constrained by law.
A major turning point in this transformation was the Reform Act of 1832, which addressed some
of the most visible inequalities in the electoral system. Prior to this reform, “rotten boroughs”
allowed a small number of voters to elect representatives, while large industrial towns lacked
adequate representation. The Act redistributed parliamentary seats and extended voting rights
