Parliament (3) Flashcards
(14 cards)
The Commons has u________ legal sovereignty.
The Lords lacks l_________.
ultimate
legitimacy
The Commons can v___ legislation.
The Lords has p_______ bi-cameralism.
veto
partial
Give 2/3 examples of partial bi-cameralism in the Lords
Parliament Act 1949 -> can only block for one year minimum
Salisbury Convention -> the convention that the HOL doesn’t block or try to weak legislation that was promised in the manifesto of the governing party.
Financial privilege
The Commons can dismiss a g__________ via a vote of no confidence.
The Lords cannot make a vote of n_ confidence.
government
no
In the Commons, MPs can d___ whips.
In the Lords, p_____ have threat of reform IF they resist
defy
peers
In the Commons, input legitimacy (composition… w___)
In the Lords, o______ legitimacy (what delivers… quality)
who
output
What are strengths of the Lords? Give 2/3
Looser party discipline
Experience
Time
How does the Lords have looser party discipline?
As Lords aren’t elected, the threat from party whips is less important and Lords find it easier to rebel.
How do the Lords have experience?
A) “Generalist” ex ministers and MPs have years of legislative experience.
B) Experts in their field are often appointed who give great “Functional representation” from business, medicine, the military etc. These people would often not stand for election!
This makes them VERY effective in their scrutinising/ revising role!
How do the Lords have time?
Far stronger at secondary/ delegated legislation
What examples show that the Lords was a more assertive house after the reforms of 1999?
Coalition defeated 99x in the Lords
New Labour defeated 40x in Commons but 400+ x in the Lords
Why did the Lords become more assertive? Give 2/4 points
Give an example too
Enhanced legitimacy
Government mandate
Support from MPs
Party balance
Ken Clarke attacking BJ in Commons
Give 2/4 examples of the Lords resisting the Commons
2008 counter terrorism Bill’s 42 day clause
2015 plan to cut tax credits
Police, crime sentencing and courts bill
Brexit bill (Johnson)
What are the options for reform? There are 3:
All appoints
All elected
Part elected- part appointed
