How have different political parties attempt to reform the constitution Flashcards
(7 cards)
1
Q
what were the major constitutional reforms Labour introduced
A
- Devolution: Gave Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland their own assemblies/parliaments.
- Human Rights Act (1998): Brought the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law.
- House of Lords reform: Removed most hereditary peers (only 92 remain).
- Freedom of Information Act (2000): Gave the public more access to government information.
- London mayor and assembly: Created a new level of local government in the capital.
2
Q
some further reforms that some Labour leaders (e.g. Keir Starmer) have supported
A
- Abolishing the House of Lords and replacing it with an elected second chamber.
- Codifying the constitution or strengthening parliamentary checks on government power.
3
Q
what was the Conservative Party’s traditional approach to the constitution
A
- Usually prefer the status quo and support the UK’s uncodified constitution.
- Emphasise Parliamentary sovereignty and gradual change over big reforms.
4
Q
Recent reforms the Conservative Party have introduced
A
- Brexit (2016–2020): Major constitutional shift – ended EU law’s authority in the UK.
- Repealed the Fixed-term Parliaments Act (2022): Returned power to the Prime Minister to call elections.
5
Q
what are some futures reforms have the Conservative Party proposed
A
- Reforming the Human Rights Act.
- Limiting the power of judicial review.
6
Q
in which areas have the Lib Dems been consistently pro-reform
A
- Want a written (codified) constitution.
- Support electoral reform (e.g. proportional representation).
- Want a fully elected House of Lords.
- Favour stronger civil liberties and checks on executive power.
7
Q
what did the Lib Dems try to introduce in the Coalition Government
A
- House of Lords reform (blocked by Conservatives).
- AV referendum (alternative voting system) in 2011 – rejected by public.
