Elections in England: History and Traditions

1.

H I S T O R Y
·
T R AD I T I O N
·
D E M O C R AC Y
ELECTIONS
in England
History and Traditions of the British Electoral System

2.

A VERY OLD SYSTEM
King John
The Barons & Nobles
Only rich men and nobles could vote.
Ordinary people and women could not vote at all.
The electoral system is very old.
It developed step by step over many centuries.

3.

1215 · THE GREAT CHARTER
Magna Carta
In 1215, a document called the Magna Carta limited the power of
the king.
This was one of the first steps towards democracy in England.
King John
Forced to sign
Magna Carta

4.

THE ROAD TO EQUAL RIGHTS
Over time
More and more people got the right
to vote step by step.
1918 · King George V
1928
Women over 30 were finally allowed to
vote.
Women got equal voting rights with
men.

5.

TODAY
Every Citizen Over 18 Can Vote
Today, every citizen over 18 years old can vote in elections.
This is a great achievement after centuries of struggle.

6.

TRADITIONS OF VOTING
Polling Stations
Paper Ballot & Pencil
There is an old tradition of voting in local buildings
called polling stations.
People mark their choice on a paper ballot with a
pencil. This simple tradition has continued for a very
long time.

7.

PARLIAMENT & PARTIES
Every Five Years
Political Parties
Elections for Parliament usually happen every five
years.
The political parties in England have their own long
histories and traditions. These make the British
system unique.

8.

INTERESTING FACTS
& TRADITIONS

9.

BEFORE 1872 · NO SECRET BALLOT
Public Voting
Before 1872, voting in England was not secret — everyone could see how you voted.
Public Book
Every voter's name and choice were written in a public book for all to see.
No Privacy
Your neighbours and the whole village knew exactly who you supported!

10.

THE HUSTINGS
Wooden Platform
Raise Your Hand
Loud Crowds
Candidates gave speeches on a
wooden platform called the
"hustings."
People voted simply by raising their
hands, like in a classroom.
Crowds were loud and sometimes
even threw things at candidates!

11.

ELECTION DAY FUN · GAMES & FAIRS
A Festive Atmosphere
Election day often felt like a big village fair, with music, food, and games for everyone to enjoy.
Sack Races
One popular game was the sack race — people jumped inside a sack, trying to hop to the finish
line first!
Tug of War & Other Games
Games like tug-of-war were also part of the fun, especially at fairs held around election time.

12.

TRADITIONS THAT STILL LIVE
Big Ben Rings
Formal Clothes
State Opening
The Houses of Parliament still ring a
special bell (Big Ben) during
important votes.
British MPs still wear formal blackand-white clothing for some
traditional ceremonies.
The State Opening of Parliament
happens every year with the King
and a golden crown.

13.

KEY VOCABULARY · НОВЫЕ СЛОВА
electoral system
избирательная система
Parliament
Парламент
nobles
знать, дворяне
political party
политическая партия
democracy
демократия
equal rights
равные права
right to vote
право голосовать
citizen
гражданин
polling station
избирательный участок
unique
уникальный
paper ballot
бумажный бюллетень
tradition
традиция

14.

These traditions make the
British electoral system
unique and interesting.