Parliamentary Tradition (Junior Cert History): Model Answers

Parliamentary Tradition

What changes came about as a result of the Act of Union 1801?

The Act of Union abolished the Irish Parliament in Dublin, forcing Irish MPs to attend Parliament in London. The Church of England and the Church of Ireland were united, and Ireland had to contribute two-seventeenths of the UK budget.

Reasons why Unionists opposed Home Rule and wanted to remain part of Britain?

Unionists opposed Home Rule because they believed a Parliament in Dublin would discriminate against Protestants ("Home Rule equals Rome Rule"), the economic position of Belfast would be under threat, they were loyal to the King, and they wanted to remain part of Britain.

Name the Unionist politicians who opposed the Third Home Rule Bill (1912).

The main Unionist politicians were Edward Carson and James Craig.