Final answer:
In 1830, Daniel O'Connell became the first Catholic Irishman to serve in the British House of Commons after a series of political reforms expanded the rights for Catholics and non-Anglican Protestants and increased the electorate.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1830, Daniel O'Connell became the first Catholic Irishman in modern times to serve in the British government body, specifically, the House of Commons (A). O'Connell's election was a significant milestone in the political history of the United Kingdom, occurring in a period of liberalization and reform that saw the expansion of the electorate and the slow removal of restrictions based on religious affiliation.
The context of this event includes the Industrial Revolution, where despite the existence of a parliament and political parties, the House of Commons was elected by less than 5% of the population, limiting the democratic character of the government. The House of Lords, with its hereditary nobles and high-ranking clergy, could veto bills from the Commons. However, a series of reforms, including the legal allowance for Catholics and non-Anglican Protestants to hold office and the Great Reform Bill of 1832, signaled a shift toward more inclusive politics.
These reforms paved the way for O'Connell's election, breaking centuries of religious discrimination that had been deeply entrenched in British politics. His election represented a broader trend in the nineteenth century toward a more liberal and democratic society in Britain.