Chartist hymnody

Chartism was a predominantly working-class movement which campaigned for political reform in Britain from 1838 until the mid-1850s.  In particular, the 'People's Charter' contained six demands intended to make the British political system more democratic; these demands were: A vote for every man over the age of 21; A secret ballot; No property qualification for members of Parliament; Payment for MPs (so poor men could serve); Constituencies of equal size; Annual elections for Parliament. Today five of the six points are accepted as fundamental to the operation of a democratic system.  Only the sixth point, annual parliaments, has yet to be conceded.  The Chartist movement pursued two main...