reforms passed under the labour gov 1997-2010

Question 1

IMPACT
referendums on devolution in Scotland Wales and Northern Ireland 1997/1998

Answer 1

this was the first time since 1975 that referendums had been used n
turnout was high for the Scottish and north ireland referendums
an example of direct democracy

Question 2

LIMITATION
referendums on devolution in Scotland Wales and Northern Ireland 1997/1998

Answer 2

the welsh referenda had only limited turnout
the gov decided on the wording and timing and other logistical issues

Question 3

IMPACT
scotland act 1998

Answer 3

established Scottish parliament at Holyrood with primary legislative powers and limited tax varying powers
created a more pluralist democracy with power shared to the regions

Question 4

LIMITATION
scotland act 1998

Answer 4

did not quell nationalism in scotland
created asymmetrical devolution between scotland and Wales n
challenged parliamentary democracy

Question 5

IMPACT
government of Wales act 1998

Answer 5

established the Senedd in Wales
the Senedd would be elected using the additional member system trailing pr in the uk

Question 6

LIMITATION
government of Wales act 1998

Answer 6

only gave Wales secondary legislative power
there have been a series of coalitions in Wales that have limited the power of government

Question 7

IMPACT
human rights act 1998

Answer 7

enshrined the European convention on human rights into UK law protecting rights in the UK
allows neutral and independent judges to defend human rights rather than being dependent on the ideology of the gov in power

Question 8

LIMITATIONS
human rights act 1998

Answer 8

this is only an act of parliament and therefore can be overturned by another act of parliament therefore not adequately protecting rights
gives too much power to unelected judges

Question 9

IMPACT
House of Lords act 1999

Answer 9

removed all but 92 hereditary peers from the house of lords
extended the number of life peers which increased the number of experts in the house of lords
the house of lords has become more willing to challenge the government

Question 10

LIMITATION
house of lords act 1999

Answer 10

hereditary peers still remain which is arguably the most undemocratic aspect of the house , however all members are unelected
the reforms extended the power of the prime minster over who’s its in the house of lords

Question 11

IMPACT
freedom of information act 2001

Answer 11

allowed the public access ton document detailing how government decisions have been reached

Question 12

LIMITATION
freedom of information act 2001

Answer 12

broad freedom of information requests can be denied for being too time consuming for government
there are several exemptions

Question 13

IMPACT
constitutional reform act 2005

Answer 13

creates a separate Supreme Court for the UK moving this role from the law lords in the house of lords

Question 14

LIMITATION
constitutional reform act 2005

Answer 14

gives power not an unelected and unaccountable branch of government that has directly challenged the government