2) The UK Political System Flashcards
(23 cards)
Who makes up the UK Political System?
Monarch, Legislature/Parliament, Executive/Central Government, Judiciary
Each component plays a distinct role in the functioning of the political system.
What are the main roles of the Monarch in the UK Political System?
Appointing PMs & MPs, dissolving Parliament, giving royal assent to legislation
The Monarch’s powers are exercised on the advice of elected politicians.
What is the House of Commons?
Made up of elected politicians (commoners), holds debates, scrutinises legislation and government spending
It forms part of the legislature.
What is the role of the House of Lords?
Made up of appointed (unelected) Lords, holds debates, scrutinises and revises legislation
It does not participate in the formation of government.
Define ‘Executive’ in the context of the UK Political System.
The body that makes and implements policies across state areas
It runs the country and is accountable for ensuring policies work.
Who supports the government in the UK Political System?
The Civil Service
Civil Servants are politically impartial and perform various functions.
What are the three main functions of the Civil Service?
- Operational running of government policies
- Policy advisors/Minister support
- Implementing policy/projects
Civil servants play a crucial role in the administration of government.
What is the purpose of the Judiciary in the UK Political System?
To adjudicate on and resolve legal disputes
It interprets laws in line with Parliament’s intentions.
How does the UK Political System operate after a general election?
The King appoints the leader of the winning party as Prime Minister
The PM forms the government and drives policy changes.
What is the head of government in the UK?
The Prime Minister
The PM has various responsibilities but lacks a definitive legal definition of their role.
What is the Cabinet in the UK Political System?
Central decision-makers made up of senior Ministers in charge of government departments
It meets weekly to discuss public policy.
What is the role of government departments?
Manage and develop areas accountable to the government and the PM
Examples include tax, health, education, and transport.
How many seats are in the House of Commons?
650 seats
Each MP represents a constituency.
Who can stand as an MP in the House of Commons?
Those who are not under 18, bankrupt, or found guilty of an election offence
Certain individuals like judges, police officers, and members of the armed forces are also excluded.
What are the categories of members in the House of Lords?
- Hereditary Peers
- Life Peers
- Lords Spiritual
- Law Lords
Each category has different methods of appointment and roles.
What is the purpose of the Parliament Acts 1911 & 1949?
Limit the power of the House of Lords
They address the delay in passing legislation.
What is the function of a ‘bill’ in the legislative process?
A proposed new law that must be debated and agreed upon by both Houses
It often goes back and forth between the Houses before becoming law.
How does a Bill become a law?
HoC:
- 1st reading
- 2nd reading
- commitee stage
- report stage
- 3rd reading
HoL:
- 1st reading
- 2nd reading
- commitee stage
- report stage
- 3rd reading
Consideration of amendments
Royal Assent
What is the First Past the Post electoral system?
Voters choose a local MP, and the MP with the most votes is elected
It does not require a candidate to receive more than 50% of the votes.
What are the pros of the First Past the Post system?
- Simplicity
- Representation
- Stable government
- Prevention of extremism
These factors contribute to its support among certain voters.
What are the cons of the First Past the Post system?
- ‘Win or lose’ approach
- Disproportionate representation
- More suited for a ‘two horse’ race
- Open to gerrymandering
These drawbacks highlight the criticisms of the system.
What was the outcome of the 2011 referendum regarding voting systems?
67.9% of voters decided against changing the voting system
This indicated a preference for maintaining the existing First Past the Post system.
List some alternative voting systems the UK could adopt.
- Alternative Vote
- Party List
- Additional Member System
- Supplementary Vote
- Single Transferable Vote
Each alternative has its own benefits and challenges.
