A Catechism of Parliamentary Reform

work by Bentham

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 24, 2026

Quick Summary

Jeremy Bentham's A Catechism of Parliamentary Reform was a work advocating for significant changes in the British political system. Published in 1817, it proposed ideas such as annual elections, equal electoral districts, and a wide suffrage that included women. Bentham, a key figure in the development of utilitarianism, believed that legislation should aim for the "greatest happiness of the greatest number". His proposals for parliamentary reform were part of his broader efforts to reform Britain's legal and political institutions, reflecting his commitment to rational and efficient governance.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Jeremy Bentham
Mature works
…he had written a tract—A Catechism of Parliamentary Reform, which was, however, not published until 1817—advocating annual elections; equal electoral districts; a wide suffrage, including woman suffrage; and the secret ballot. He supported in principle the participation of women in government and argued for the reform of marriage law…
Read More
…he had written a tract—A Catechism of Parliamentary Reform, which was, however, not published until 1817—advocating annual elections; equal electoral districts; a wide suffrage, including woman suffrage; and the secret ballot. He supported in principle the participation of women in government and argued for the reform of marriage law…
Read More