When did the United Kingdom become a democracy?

Prepare for the British Citizenship Test with fun quizzes. Test your knowledge of UK history, culture, and government. Perfect for those on their journey to becoming UK citizens!

The correct answer is that the United Kingdom became a democracy in the late 19th and 20th centuries, as this period marks significant milestones in the expansion of voting rights and democratic governance.

During the 19th century, various Reform Acts were passed that gradually extended voting rights to more men, reducing property requirements and eventually allowing a wider segment of the population to participate in elections. The Representation of the People Act 1918 was particularly pivotal as it allowed all men over the age of 21 and women over the age of 30 to vote, marking a substantial step towards a more inclusive democratic process.

The 20th century saw further reforms, including the Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act 1928, which granted equal voting rights to women, aligning their voting age with that of men at 21. These developments consolidated the UK's status as a functioning democracy where the electorate was composed of both men and women, reflecting a broader representation of society.

Therefore, the period mentioned in the correct answer encompasses the key changes and reforms that established and solidified democracy in the UK.

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