Parliamentary Elections Act 1770 facts for kids
| Act of Parliament | |
|
|
| Long title | An Act to enable the Speaker of the House of Commons to issue his Warrants to make out new Writs for the Choice of Members to serve in Parliament, in the Room of such Members as shall die during the Recess of Parliament. |
|---|---|
| Citation | 10 Geo. 3. c. 16 |
Quick facts for kids Other legislation |
|
| Repealed by | Controverted Elections Act 1828 |
|
Status: Repealed
|
|
The Parliamentary Elections Act 1770 was an important law passed in Great Britain. It is also known as the Grenville Act. This law changed how complaints about election results were handled. Before this Act, the entire House of Commons would decide these complaints. The new law created a special, fairer committee to do this instead.
Making Elections Fairer
Before 1770, if someone thought an election was unfair, they would make an election petition. This was a formal complaint about the election results. The whole House of Commons would then vote on these complaints.
This system had a problem. Members of Parliament often voted based on their political party. This meant decisions might not always be fair. It could be hard to get an unbiased decision.
The New Committee
The Parliamentary Elections Act 1770 changed this system. It created a special committee to handle election complaints. This committee was made up of thirteen members. They were chosen by a random ballot, like drawing names from a hat.
Choosing members this way made the committee "less politicised." This means they were less influenced by political parties. The goal was to make sure decisions about elections were fair and unbiased.
How the Act Worked
When the Act was first passed, it was only meant to last for one year. However, it worked well and was extended several times. By 1774, it had already helped resolve five election complaints.
Because it was so successful, a new law was passed in 1774. This made the Parliamentary Elections Act a permanent law. It continued to ensure fairer decisions for many years.
The Act's End
The Parliamentary Elections Act 1770 was eventually replaced. It was cancelled, or "repealed," by a new law in 1828. This new law was called the Controverted Elections Act 1828.
