DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 193, 1 September 1937, Page 10

DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT

Instructive Address An instructive account of tbe rise of democratie governinent was given by Mr. Martin Smith, M.A., LL.B., Dip. Ed., in a leeture under tbe auspices of tbe Workers' Educational Association in Hastings. Tbe subject was "Demoeraey and Representative Government." Mr. H. Linyaxd presided. Tbe history of government in tbo countries of tbe world was tbe story1 of tbe conflict between different groups for control of tbe macbiuery' of government, said Mr. a Martin Smith. In America it was coloniai aristocratic mercbants against backcountry farmers, and manufacturers of tbe nortb against slave-owning planters of tbe soutb, bankers and captains of industry against farmers and labourers. In England tbere were the same conflicts. Duke fougbt against duke, prince against prince, eacb trying to control government in order to bave wealtb. By 1688, however, tbe government bad become representative, tbougb only 3 per cent. of tbe people bad voting power. During tbe reign of tbe Georges the power of Parliament grew, and Cabinet government was I evolved, whieh was cbosen from the one party. Tbe Prime Minister displaced tbe King as tbe real bead of the government, and bis Cabinet became responsive to tbe will ofl tha people. Tbe Reform Bill of 1832 increased the franchise from 3 per1 cent. to 5 per cent. of the people. In the 600 years from tbe signing of Magna Carta England's march, to democracy was slow. Gradually tbe franchise wldened, both Gladstone and Disraeli malcing coneessions. In 1884 tbo number of voters was increased by 40 per cent. In 1918 women xeceived tbeir rigbt to vote. In 1918 all property qualifications were abolished.