Seats
in Parliament could normally be bought either by coming to an
arrangement with some landowner who had the right to nominate to a
closed seat or by buying enough votes in constituencies where the
electorate was larger and the contest more open. Factory owners
and leading landowners sat together on committees drawing up plans
for public works such as canal building, obtained the necessary
permits from public authorities and organized the whole
enterprise. In 1714, Parliament was allowed to last for seven
years unless sooner dissolved by the king because of the expense
and tumult of elections, which frequently occasioned riots, and
sometimes battles in which men were killed and prisoners taken on
both sides. Politics had become a career. Members of Parliament
could not be arrested while Parliament was in session.
As of 1710, electees to the Commons had to have 600 pounds annual
income for knights or 300 pounds annually for burgesses. This did
not include the eldest son or heir apparent of any peer or lord of
Parliament or any person with the above qualifications. The
universities were exempted.
As of 1729, persons electing a member of the Commons must swear or
affirm that he has not received any money, office, employment, or
reward or promise of such for his vote. If he swears falsely, it
is perjury and he must forfeit 500 pounds and may never vote
again. Later, voters for member of Parliament had to have
residence for a year.
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