Main Features of Chartism

 

The main features of Chartism were ideologically striving for political equality. Chartism was one of the first movements that consisted of mostly working middle class people, rebelling during the new political landscape following the industrial revolution. It was an early move towards political equality for society but lacking a few modern features that we see today such as the right for women to vote. The bill for Chartism listed the six key points which characterised their beliefs; they wanted manhood suffrage for everyone, so all adult males(age 21 and older) were eligible to vote. It was also demanded that there were equal electoral districts, votes by secret ballot so people would not be judged by their political vote, annual elections, pay for members of parliament and finally legitimate qualifications for membership.

 

William Lovett, the founder of the London Working Men’s Association, composed the People’s Charter, which demanded:

• The right to vote/universal suffrage for adult men

• Abolishment of Members of Parliament property requirements

• Annual parliamentary elections

• Equally weighted voting

• Pay for Members of Parliament

• Voting to be done by secret ballot

 

The People’s Charter became a central belief for many radicalist wishing for political reform. Support for the Charter soon spread rapidly and the advocates became known as Chartists. Although all Chartists believed and were fighting for the 6 main points, not all of them were united.