What Do the Fourth and Fifth Estates Mean In a Democracy and How Did the Terms Originate?

Within British history, the first three estates with influence over legislation were the Church, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons.

The term fourth estate has meant different forces of influence over Parliament at different times, including the army.

It was first used to describe the press during a debate in the House of Commons in 1828 and has retained that meaning ever since.

The fifth estate was added to include radio and television. democracy