Political Factions in Great Britain
Politics in Great Britain was historically defined by the tension and cooperation between two primary factions: the Whigs and the Tories. Unlike modern political parties with rigid platforms and centralized leadership, these groups functioned as loose alliances of individuals and shared interests, shaping the governance of the nation through shifting loyalties and social influence.
The Whigs and the Tories
The Whigs were largely composed of leading aristocratic dynasties. Their primary commitment was to the Protestant settlement of the throne, ensuring that the monarchy remained aligned with Protestantism. Over time, the Whigs expanded their base by gaining support from rich city merchants and the emerging interests of the Industrial Revolution.
In contrast, the Tories were closely associated with the landed gentry—the class of landowners who held significant social and political power—as well as the established Church of England and the Church of Scotland.
The Structure of Parliamentary Representation
The electoral process of the era differed vastly from contemporary democratic systems. Members of Parliament (MPs) appealed to a very small electorate, particularly within the boroughs. This limited franchise created a system where individual influence often outweighed party organization.
Rotten and Pocket Boroughs
A defining feature of this period was the existence of rotten boroughs and pocket boroughs. These were constituencies where the majority of votes were controlled by a single person or a small, influential group. In many cases, these seats were treated as private property and could be sold for cash.
Because of this control, many MPs were effectively Independents. While they might align themselves with the Whigs or Tories during their careers, their primary loyalty was often to the patrons who secured their seats rather than a formal party platform.
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Key Facts
- Whigs: Supported by aristocrats, city merchants, and industrial interests; committed to the Protestant settlement.
- Tories: Aligned with the landed gentry and the national churches of England and Scotland.
- Electoral Control: Rotten and pocket boroughs allowed individuals to control votes or sell seats for money.
- Political Nature: Factions were loose alliances rather than modern, structured political parties.
- MP Independence: Many members acted as Independents due to the nature of borough control.
Constituency and MP Distribution
The distribution of parliamentary seats across Great Britain was divided among borough, county, and university constituencies, with England holding the vast majority of representation.
| Country | Borough Constituencies | County Constituencies | University Constituencies | Total Constituencies | Borough MPs | County MPs | University MPs | Total MPs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | 203 | 40 | 2 | 245 | 405 | 80 | 4 | 489 |
| Wales | 12 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 24 | 0 | 24 |
| Scotland | 15 | 30 | 0 | 45 | 15 | 30 | 0 | 45 |
| Total | 230 | 82 | 2 | 314 | 432 | 122 | 4 | 558 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main difference between the Whigs and the Tories?
The Whigs were generally supported by the aristocracy, city merchants, and industrial interests, focusing on the Protestant settlement. The Tories were more closely tied to the landed gentry and the established churches of England and Scotland.
What were rotten and pocket boroughs?
These were parliamentary constituencies where a very small number of people, or even a single individual, controlled the majority of the votes, often allowing them to appoint the MP or sell the seat for cash.
Were the Whigs and Tories political parties in the modern sense?
No, they were not modern parties but rather loose alliances of individuals and interest groups with shared goals.
How many total MPs were there across Great Britain?
There were a total of 558 MPs, comprising 432 from boroughs, 122 from counties, and 4 from universities.
Why were many MPs considered Independents?
Because many seats were controlled by influential individuals in pocket or rotten boroughs, MPs often owed their position to a patron rather than a party, allowing them to remain fundamentally independent in their parliamentary conduct.