1.4 Current Debates on Further Reform

Question 1

What were the 3 successes of constitutional reform?

Answer 1

• reform of the judiciary
• devolution
• the freedom of information act

Question 2

What were the 3 partial successes of constitutional reform?

Answer 2

• house of lords reform
• house of commons reform
• human rights acts

Question 3

Why was the reform of the judiciary a success?

Answer 3

It established the Supreme Court, which established a separate judiciary from the Government. Regarded as a key development of Human Rights

Question 4

What was devolution a success?

Answer 4

Brought government closer to the people, enhanced democracy

Question 5

Why was the Freedom of Information Act a success?

Answer 5

Proved valuable for the media’s ability to investigate the government and other public bodies effectively

Question 6

Why was the House of Lords reform a partial success?

Answer 6

Although the Lords has become more professional and effective at scrutinising government legislation, it is still unelected and lacks being properly accountable

Question 7

Why was the House of Commons reform a partial success?

Answer 7

The Commoms still remains ineffective and inefficient despite the select commitees enhancement

Question 8

Why was the Human Rights Act only a partial success?

Answer 8

Parliamentary sovereignty still rules over the act meaning it can be trampled on by powerful governments

Question 9

Reasons for constitutional reform since 1997 having improved democracy?

Answer 9

• judiciary is genuinely independent
• power has been decentralised
• elected mayors improve local democracy
• introduction of fixed term parliaments has weakened the power of the executive

Question 10

Reasons why constitutional reform since 1997 has not improved democracy?

Answer 10

• FTTP system still in place for general elections which remains unrepresentative in its outcomes
• Lords remains unelected
• the constitution remains uncodified, creating uncertainty and a lack of public understanding.

Question 11

Arguments for extending devolution in England?

Answer 11

• would extend democracy and improve accountability for local governments
• devolved governments could better reflect the needs of the people
• might improve participation in politics

Question 12

Arguments against extending devolved power in the England?

Answer 12

• would create a new layer of government which would be expensive
• would create too many elections, resulting in voter apathy
• few signs for greater devolution
• regional devolution mat create divisions in society, promoting disunity

Question 13

Arguments for retaining an uncodified constitution?

Answer 13

• flexible and can easily adapt to the changing sociological changes to society
• the Conservatives argue it is not necessary - the U.K. has enjoyed a stable political system without a constitution
• the U.K. operates under meant conventions, which would be difficult to put into writing
• government remains strong and decisive because of no constitutional constraints

Question 14

Arguments for HAVING a codified constituency?

Answer 14

• would clarify the nature of the political system to citizens
• the process of judicial review would be more precise and transparent
• better safeguard human rights
• would bring the UK in line with most first world countries