Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Caribbean History Practice Exam 2025 – Complete All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

Jamaica operated under the Old Representative System prior to the Morant Bay Rebellion. This system was characterized by a limited form of governance where only a small segment of the population—specifically white males with property—had the right to vote and hold office. Political power was concentrated among the colonial elite, which marginalized the majority of the population, particularly the formerly enslaved people who had been emancipated in the 1830s.

The dissatisfaction with this system contributed to social and political unrest, ultimately culminating in the Morant Bay Rebellion of 1865. The rebellion was fueled by frustrations over land access, economic opportunities, and the lack of political representation for the broader population. The Old Representative System's inability to address these issues effectively led to widespread anger and the demand for reform. Understanding the limitations and frustrations inherent in this colonial governance system helps explain the motivations behind the rebellion and the subsequent calls for change in the region's political landscape.