... Act, 1872) or which primarily relates to the middle or upper classes (Civil Service Act). Furthermore he introduced a formal examination to enter the Civil Service which was very prestigious and did not attract the intellect of the working classes. The idea of maintaining high-entry standards at work can be mirrored in the introduction of the university test, immediately resulting in not only middle class students who can afford it but intelligent ones as well. These Acts immediately discriminated against poorer and less educated backgrounds. Perhaps Gladstone wanted only the best to work for him, knowing most new politicians would come through university and pass any employment test. Contrary to this Disraeli firmly recognises the working classes as a group, a class neglected under Gladstone. His laws directly affected the working classes (slum clearance under the Artisan's Dwelling Act) and appealed to the mass populous. This is evident in The ...

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