By 1783, Britain's government was based upon a Constitutional Monarchy. The Monarch (King George III at the time) was bound by an oath that restricted their power. The oath transferred the responsibility of law making, taxation, spending and external affairs to the government. The Monarchs income was also dependent on the government.
The Monarch still had power, however. He could influence general policy and could choose his ministers, this encouraged mp's to agree with the King to get appointed. He could also dissolve parliament but a general election had to be called as they could not rule without a parliament. They could Veto decisions but this could risk their income if his decision wasn't popular.
The house of lords was made up of the wealthiest elite. They had lots of influence and could block propositions made by the house of commons. The members of the commons were voted in by the small number of legible voters. They represented the interests of the local people from what county they were voted for.
Originally the Monarch had a privy council who would advise them These were appointed for life and soon the council became too big to manage and a more refined cabinet emerged. The king also needed a representative in parliament to win over the Whigs or Tories. This became known as the prime minister.
The House of Commons was split into two distinct groups, the Whigs and Tories, although not as organised as today's parties they were usually grouped as Whigs being associated with liberal ideas and reform and the Tories as reactionary and against reform.
The Monarch still had power, however. He could influence general policy and could choose his ministers, this encouraged mp's to agree with the King to get appointed. He could also dissolve parliament but a general election had to be called as they could not rule without a parliament. They could Veto decisions but this could risk their income if his decision wasn't popular.
The house of lords was made up of the wealthiest elite. They had lots of influence and could block propositions made by the house of commons. The members of the commons were voted in by the small number of legible voters. They represented the interests of the local people from what county they were voted for.
Originally the Monarch had a privy council who would advise them These were appointed for life and soon the council became too big to manage and a more refined cabinet emerged. The king also needed a representative in parliament to win over the Whigs or Tories. This became known as the prime minister.
The House of Commons was split into two distinct groups, the Whigs and Tories, although not as organised as today's parties they were usually grouped as Whigs being associated with liberal ideas and reform and the Tories as reactionary and against reform.
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