Structure and Role of Parliament Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is parliament’s function?
Checking and scrutinising the executive.
what is the key term describing the relationship between parliament and government?
Fusion of Powers
What is the executive formed out of?
the legislature
Where is does power lie?
Power is concentrated in one chamber- the Commons.
What is significant about power being concentrated in the Commons?
This is unique for Western democracies. e.g. US has multiple areas that power lies in.
Is the relationship between Government and the Commons equal?
No- under normal circumstances, the executive dominates the legislature.
Yes- during a hung parliament or divided governing party, parliament can hold more power.
What are some examples of executive dominance?
1997, 2019 and 2024- when governing parties gained large majorities in general elections.
In what situation can a party with a a large majority be vulnerable?
when there is opposition from backbenchers.
What are reasons of support for executive dominance over parliament? (3)
Party whipping ensures government backed bills pass;
most days parliamentary business is decided by government;
PMBs require government support;
What are reasons against executive dominance over parliament?
Minority or coalitions can be easily defeated in parliament. e.g. May;
MPs can ask questions in regular time slots such as PMQs;
20 opposition days allow other parties to take control;
How has the effectiveness of scrutiny been increased in recent times?
Rebellious backbench MPs since 1980s;
possibility to recall and remove some MPs between elections;
Lords reforms;
What are examples of rebellious backbench MPs?
Brexit- ERG rebelled against May’s deals
Foreign policy- Iraq and Syrian airstrikes
Examples of Lords reforms
removal of all but 96 hereditary peers and the Parliamentary Acts to overrule Lords opposition to legislation- Rwanda
In what ways has parliament remained old-fashioned?
language and tradition has remained archaic and adversarial;
no electronic voting- MPs file out to division lobbies.
question times and debates are excuses for theatrical party politics.
The second chamber remains weak and undemocratic.
What opportunities exist for an MP to influence policy and represent voters?
Voting on legislation;
proposing legislation via PMBs;
speaking in debates;
asking questions;
informal lobbying;
serving on committees;
What are the four potential types of opposition in parliament?
The Official Opposition;
Other opposition parties;
Intra-party;
Inter-party;
What is the Official Opposition?
The second largest party- since the 20s this has been Labour or Conservative.
What are examples of other opposition parties?
Liberal Democrats, Reform, SNP
What does Intra-party opposition mean
Opponents within the governing party.
What does Inter-party opposition mean?
disagreements between different parties in government, such as during the 2010 Coalition.
What is the purpose of the opposition?
to offer scrutiny and and potentially a check on the government, whilst providing alternative solutions
What is an example of the purpose of the opposition
those who opposed a no-deal Brexit had to come up with better alternatives- e.g. staying in a customs union.
How must the Official Opposition portray themselves?
as an alternative government/ ‘government in waiting’.
They have formal shadow cabinets who challenge the relevant government minister
How do the opposition challenge the government?
The leader of the opposition gets special privileges such as asking first question at PMQs;
they get 20 opposition days to run parliamentary business
