A rational choice model analyses the problems of voter choice, the emergence of partly loyalty and cabinet government in Victorian England.

Part I. Introduction: 1. Introduction and outline; 2. The historical setting; Part II. The Development of Disciplined Parliamentary Parties: 3. The measurement and theory of party cohesion; 4. The Peelites and the disruption of the party system; 5. The caucus; 6. The origin of the efficient secret; 7. The electoral connection and ministerial ambition; 8. The Cabinet's strength: threats of resignation and dissolution; Part III. The Electorate: 9. The development of a party-oriented electorate; 10. The causes of a party-oriented electorate; 11. The legislative consequences of a party-oriented electorate; 12. The influence of constituents in Victorian England; Part IV. Conclusion: 13. The history of party voting; Appendix; References; Author index; Subject index.