Constitutional Reform

Question 1

HR reform since 1997

Answer 1

New legislation has to be compatible with the HRA - challenges par sovereignty
Strengthened the rule of law
It’s not entrenched
Conservatives pledged to replace with British bill of rights

Question 2

Devolution since 1997

Answer 2

Given powers to nations like Scot,Wales + NI
Parlimentary sov not a key principle
Legally can pe repealed but politically impossible
Decentralisation of power - democratic
Continued extension off powers - current system is incoherent

Question 3

Reigenol mayors since 1997

Answer 3

London mayor
Moved power away from Westminster - step to reegenol govt
more powers needed

Question 4

Electoral reform

Answer 4

AV systems used in devolved bodies
AMS - Scotland wales
STV
2011 failed AV ref
Limited impact on participation but shown effective in other systems
Still called for reform

Question 5

Freedom of information act

Answer 5

More open gov for citizens
Govt has greater fear of scrutiny
Lengthy process

Question 6

House of Lords act 1999

Answer 6

All but 92 hereditary peers removed
Life peers appointed

Question 7

1999 regional mayors

Answer 7

London voted in favour of Greater London mayor and assembly

Question 8

HOL reform act 2014

Answer 8

Lords can resign

Question 9

2010 - 2015 reforms

Answer 9

2011
- fixed term parl act (repealed 2022) replaced with the Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act 2022, hence Sunak was able to call an election before the Conservative’s full 5 year term
- 2011 av ref
2014
- independence ref
- House of Lords Reform Act - members can resign (previously impossible as Lords held seat for life).
2015
- Recall of MPs Act
EX
success:
Margaret Ferrier (Rutherglen and Hamilton West, 2023)
Peter Bone (Wellingborough, 2023) - sexual misconduct
Mike Amesbury (Runcorn and Helsby, 2025) - Arrest for Assault
Failure
Ian Paisley Jr (North Antrim, 2018)
Scott Benton (Blackpool South, 2024)

Question 10

2016 - 2024

Answer 10

2016
- Scotland Act
2017
- Burns report suggested reducing the number of Lords, and implementing term lengths.
2019
- Johnson’s failed attempt to prorogue Parliament (R v Miller 2)
2020
- UK left EU (officially) - European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020
2024
- Debate of HoL (Hereditary Peers) Bill, seeking to remove the 92 remaining hereditary peers