Lang surveys the changing role of Parliament over the last three centuries. Combining narrative, interpretation, discussion of controversial issues and a selection of sources, this book provides an ideal study aid for students.

This text surveys the changing role of Parliament from the pre-reformed Parliament through to the 1832 Great Reform Act, Chartism, the campaign for working class suffrage, Catholic emancipation and the long struggle for the granting of female suffrage. Beginning with a wide survey of the origins and nature of parliament, the author offers a detailed context for the campaigns for reformation of parliament in the 19th century, and the attitude of Victorians to Parliament. This comprehensive approach promotes understanding of the wider issues of Parliamentary Reform, and provides an aid and context to students studying this topic.