Student Parliaments In Uk Universities: Who Has Them?

University constituencies in the United Kingdom Parliament existed until 1950, when they were abolished by the Representation of the People Act 1948. These constituencies were not defined geographically, but by the graduates of the universities comprising them. From 1918 until their abolition, the multi-member university constituencies elected members to Parliament using the Single Transferable Vote method. This method allowed voters to rank candidates in order of preference. Notably, the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford each had two seats in Parliament from 1603 to 1950. The University of Dublin (Trinity College) was allowed one member from 1801 and two from 1832. In 1868, the University of London, a combination of Glasgow and Aberdeen universities, and a combination of St Andrews and Edinburgh universities were each given one seat. In 1918, the Combined English Universities were formed, comprising Birmingham, Bristol, Durham, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, and Sheffield universities, with Reading added in 1928. This constituency elected two members of Parliament. So, while there were university constituencies in the UK Parliament, there is no evidence of student parliaments within British universities.

Student involvement in politics

Firstly, students can join or form political societies at their universities, which often serve as a platform for discussing political issues and ideas. These societies may also organise events, such as debates or simulations of parliamentary procedures, providing students with hands-on experience in politics. In addition, students can join a political party and actively campaign for them, either locally or nationally. This could involve participating in street marches or protests, which are effective ways to draw attention to a particular cause or belief.

Another way for students to get directly involved in politics is by writing to their local Members of Parliament (MPs) about issues that are important to them. After all, MPs are elected to represent their constituents and work towards improving their lives. By staying informed about the political system and the various parties, students can make informed decisions about which party aligns with their values and, ultimately, cast their vote in elections.

Historically, university constituencies existed in the UK Parliament until 1950, wherein graduates from specific universities elected members to represent their interests. While this system is no longer in place, it underscores the significance of student voices in politics and their ability to influence decision-making processes.

In conclusion, student involvement in politics is essential for fostering an engaged and informed citizenry. By actively participating in political activities, joining or forming societies, and exercising their right to vote, students can contribute to shaping the future of their country and ensuring that their voices are heard and represented in the political arena.

The voting system

The UK has a voting system called First Past the Post (FPTP). This means that the candidate who receives the majority of votes in an election wins. This system also means that the leader of the party that wins the most seats automatically becomes the Prime Minister. FPTP usually leads to a two-party system, as seen in the UK with the Conservatives and Labour parties. This is in contrast to other political systems such as Proportional Representation, where the makeup of Parliament reflects the popular vote.

From 1918 until 1950, multi-member university constituencies in the United Kingdom Parliament used the Single Transferable Vote (STV) as their method of election. Single-member university seats and by-elections in multi-member seats still used the First-Past-the-Post system. The Single Transferable Vote method was also used to elect members of the Combined English Universities constituency, which was formed by combining all the English universities except for Cambridge, Oxford, and London, which were already separately represented.

The Single Transferable Vote method allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. If a candidate is elected and has surplus votes—more than are needed to ensure victory—these votes are redistributed to the remaining candidates according to the voters' next preferences. This process continues in iterative rounds until all seats are filled.

The university constituency system was abolished in 1950 by the Representation of the People Act 1948. This act also abolished all other examples of plural voting, where voters were eligible to vote in more than one constituency.

University constituencies

The University of Cambridge was a university constituency that elected two members to the British House of Commons from 1603 to 1950. The University of Oxford also had two seats from 1603. In 1868, three new one-member seats were created: the University of London, a combination of Glasgow and Aberdeen universities, and a combination of St Andrews and Edinburgh universities.

In 1918, the Combined English Universities became a university constituency represented in the United Kingdom Parliament until 1950. It was formed by combining and enfranchising all the English universities, except for Cambridge, Oxford, and London, which were already separately represented. The constituency included Birmingham, Bristol, Durham, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Reading (from 1928), and Sheffield. The Combined English Universities returned two members of Parliament, elected at general elections by the single transferable vote method of proportional representation.

In addition to the United Kingdom, university constituencies have also existed in other countries, such as Japan, India, and some parts of the British Empire.

Political parties

University constituencies in the United Kingdom Parliament existed until 1950, when they were abolished by the Representation of the People Act 1948. These constituencies were not defined geographically, but by the graduates of the universities comprising them. The graduates of these universities were eligible to vote in elections for Members of Parliament.

From 1603 until 1950, Cambridge University was a university constituency that elected two members to the British House of Commons. The University of Oxford also had two seats from 1603, and the University of Dublin (Trinity College) had two seats from 1832. In 1868, three new one-member seats were created: University of London; Glasgow and Aberdeen universities combined; and St Andrews and Edinburgh universities combined. In 1918, the Queen's University of Belfast and the National University of Ireland each received seats.

In 1918, all the other English universities (excluding Cambridge, Oxford, and London) were enfranchised as a single constituency with two seats, as Combined English Universities. They were Birmingham, Bristol, Durham, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, and Sheffield. Reading was added in 1928. The University of Wales also received one seat in 1918.

The Labour Party and the Conservative Party are the main political parties in the UK and have dominated the political landscape since the early 20th century. The Conservative Party is the oldest political party in the UK, founded in 1834, and is considered "right-wing". The Labour Party, founded in 1900, is "left-wing". Other political parties in the UK include The Liberal Democrats, The Scottish National Party, The Green Party, and Reform UK.

Student voting rights

In the UK, every citizen has the right to vote in elections as long as they have registered to vote, are 18 or older on the day of the election, and are a British, Irish, or qualifying Commonwealth citizen. The voting age in Scotland and Wales is 16 for registered voters. Only those serving more than 12 months in jail are denied this right.

The UK has a voting system called First Past the Post, meaning that whoever gets the majority of votes in an election wins. This usually leads to a two-party-dominated political environment, such as the Conservatives and the Labour Party.

University constituencies in the United Kingdom Parliament existed until 1950, when they were abolished by the Representation of the People Act 1948. The electorate consisted of the graduates of the universities comprising the constituency. From 1918 until their abolition, in general elections, the multi-member university constituencies used the Single Transferable Vote as their method of election.

Students should exercise their right to vote, especially if they want change to happen. They can also get involved in politics in other ways, such as joining a political party or creating or joining a march or protest about a cause that is important to them.

Frequently asked questions