rotten borough
A 'rotten borough' refers to a parliamentary constituency with very few voters, often controlled by a single individual or group, and historically significant in pre-reform British politics.
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Definition
C1Historical Politics
(historical)A parliamentary constituency in 18th and 19th century England with a very small electorate, often controlled by a powerful patron.
Example
- Before the Reform Act of 1832, many MPs were elected from rotten boroughs controlled by wealthy landowners.
C1Political Science
(historical, academic)An electoral district with a small number of voters, making it susceptible to control and manipulation, often seen as undemocratic.
Example
- Rotten boroughs were a key issue addressed by electoral reforms in the 19th century.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "rotten borough":