Colony

Until 1832 the small towns of England were ruled by a curious set of institutions. These included the local Church of England and its vestry, and the unelected and self-appointing local government. They also had vigorous campaigns for election to the House of Commons, and public voting, characterised by virulent free speech and the occasional riot. How would these institutions transfer to Britain's colonies? In 1856 the remote colony of South Australia had the secret ballot, votes for all adult men, and religious freedom, and in 1857 self-government by an elected parliament. The basic framework of a modern democracy was suddenly established. How did South Australia become so modern so early? How were British institutions radically transformed by British colonists, and why did the Colonial Office allow it? -- Back cover.

Year

2010

Language

English

Publisher

Wakefield Press

Editions

1

Pages

311

ISBN

9781862548930

Data source: Wikidata