Bagehot - on all 3 topics

Question 1

What roles does Bagehot highlight as crucial in the UK government?

Answer 1

Bagehot highlights the crucial roles of dissolving the Commons and augmenting the Peers as key mechanisms in the functioning of the UK government.

Question 2

What does Bagehot argue is necessary for unity and effective governance in a state?

Answer 2

Bagehot argues that every state’s supreme, conclusive authority is necessary to ensure unity and effective governance.

Question 3

According to Bagehot, where does the strength of the British Constitution lie?

Answer 3

The strength of the British Constitution lies in combining executive choice with parliamentary power, which achieves unity and functionality.

Question 4

According to Bagehot, what is the “safety valve” of the British Constitution?

Answer 4

The “safety-valve” of the constitution allows the head of the executive to appoint new members to the House of Lords to overcome resistance, ensuring that the popular will prevails.

Question 5

According to Bagehot, what is the “regulator” in the context of the British executive’s power?

Answer 5

The “regulator” is the executive’s power to dissolve the Commons, which serves as a balance and check on Parliament’s potential excesses.

Question 6

Why does Bagehot consider an independent authority outside of Parliament essential?

Answer 6

Bagehot considers an independent authority outside of Parliament essential for checking party zeal and self-interest within Parliament, maintaining a balance of power.