CLOSE BOROUGH Meaning and
Definition
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A close borough refers to a historical electoral district or constituency in which the right to vote is limited and tightly controlled, making it difficult for new voters to gain access. It was a term widely used in the British context, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries. Close boroughs were notorious for their lack of democratic principles and were characterized by a restricted electorate, often consisting of a small group of privileged individuals who possessed the right to vote, known as freemen. Consequently, political power in close boroughs was concentrated in the hands of a select few, leading to issues of corruption and nepotism.
The system of close boroughs was heavily criticized for undermining the principles of representative democracy, as the majority of the population had no voice in electing their representatives. This issue was one of the factors that sparked demands for electoral reform in Britain. The 1832 Reform Act, for example, aimed to address the problem of close boroughs by redistributing parliamentary seats and extending voting rights to a broader section of the population.
The term "close borough" is often used in comparison to "open boroughs," where voting rights were more accessible to a larger number of individuals. The concept of close boroughs has largely become obsolete in modern democratic systems, as the principles of universal suffrage and equal representation have been widely adopted.
Common Misspellings for CLOSE BOROUGH
- xlose borough
- vlose borough
- flose borough
- dlose borough
- ckose borough
- cpose borough
- coose borough
- clise borough
- clkse borough
- cllse borough
- clpse borough
- cl0se borough
- cl9se borough
- cloae borough
- cloze borough
- cloxe borough
- clode borough
- cloee borough
- clowe borough
- closw borough
Etymology of CLOSE BOROUGH
The term "close borough" derives from two different origins: "close" and "borough".
1) Close:
The word "close" has its root in the Latin word "clausus", which means "to shut". medieval times, a "close" referred to an enclosed space or a small area surrounded by walls or fences, often used for protection or privacy. Over time, "close" developed more specific meanings, including a small street, lane, or courtyard. the context of a "close borough", the term refers to a borough (a political district or town) that has restricted access or limited membership.
2) Borough:
"Borough" comes from the Old English word "burh" or "burg", which initially referred to a fortified town or settlement, often with a defensive wall. It is related to the Old High German word "burg" and the German word "Burg" which have similar meanings.
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