A Long and Illustrious History
What was a "pocket borough" in the 18th century?
AA small market town trading goods stored in pockets and bags
BA constituency controlled by one wealthy family who chose the local MP ✓
CA borough that was officially exempt from paying taxation
DA secret underground meeting place used by politicians
Explanation
A "pocket borough" was a constituency where a single wealthy family controlled who became MP — the votes were "in their pocket". Similarly, "rotten boroughs" had very few voters.
hardpocket boroughrotten boroughparliament
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