Book contents
PART THREE - THE TERMS OF THE CONTEST
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 23 November 2009
Summary
Electoral style was related to the electoral system. This was far from democratic, and as the Liberals became increasingly dependent on workingclass votes they were increasingly penalised. In order to function efficiently, the system relied on the efforts of the parties; the franchise was therefore largely reserved for known party men, and the apathetic fringe was very small. The Liberals recognised that they ought to reform the system but lacked the will to break through the complications, notably woman suffrage, which bedevilled the question. As it was, popular interest in elections, whether measured by turnout or palpable enthusiasm, ran at a high level. The whole community participated in the campaign and the public reception of the candidates provided a surprisingly accurate guide to the mood of the electorate.
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- Lancashire and the New Liberalism , pp. 101 - 102Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 1971