POLI102 Lecture 3 2024 25-1 Flashcards
(17 cards)
What is the principle of parliamentary sovereignty?
Parliament has the right to make or unmake any law whatsoever under the English constitution.
Dicey, 1885
What is the relationship between Parliament and the monarch in the UK?
Parliament comprises the monarch, the Commons, and the Lords, with Parliament having supremacy over the monarch.
What does the rule of law state regarding individuals and bodies?
All individuals and bodies must respect and be bound by the rule of law. Nobody is above the law.
What are royal prerogatives?
Monarchical powers that have passed to ministers, exercised without parliamentary authority.
Examples include declaring war, summoning Parliament, and giving Royal Assent.
What does ‘the King in Parliament’ refer to?
The constitutional framework where the monarch, Commons, and Lords collectively constitute Parliament.
What are the key functions of the House of Commons?
- Holds government to account
- Scrutinises, amends, and passes legislation
- Authorises government taxation
- Supplies the executive
- Provides legitimacy
- Raises public issues
What functions does the House of Lords serve?
- Legitimisation of Bills
- Recruitment of Ministers
- Scrutiny and influence on legislation
- Expression of political issues
- Constitutional safeguard
What is the legislative process in Parliament?
Laws must be approved by both the House of Lords and House of Commons, with primary legislation starting in either House.
What was the purpose of the English Votes for English Laws amendment?
To address issues raised by devolution, specifically regarding the West Lothian Question.
What does the parliamentary decline thesis (PDT) suggest?
The executive has become increasingly dominant over the legislature in the 20th century.
True or False: The Fixed Term Parliaments Act 2011 allowed the Prime Minister to call an election using the Royal Prerogative.
False
What is a key objective of parliamentary reform?
Strengthen the role of backbench MPs in holding the executive to account and scrutinising legislation.
What impact did the House of Lords Act (1999) have?
Reduced the number of Lords from 1330 to 669, leaving only 92 hereditary peers.
What are the key points of the Wright Reforms in 2010?
Elected chairs and members for select committees, enhancing their influence and independence.
Fill in the blank: The __________ process involves scrutiny of legislation in both Houses, often with intense examination by the Lords.
legislative
What were the results of the 1999 House of Lords reforms according to Russell (2010)?
Strengthened the House of Lords and made British politics more consensual.
What does the term ‘asymmetric bicameralism’ refer to?
A legislative system where the two houses (Commons and Lords) have unequal powers and functions.
