The United Kingdom Parliament - Basic Flashcards
(8 cards)
1
Q
Basic Facts (UK PARLIAMENT)
A
- Supreme law-making body in UK
- Pre-eminent source of Political Power and Legitimacy
2
Q
History 1 (3 points)
A
- Originated in 13th Century (Scot+NI joined after 1707 Treaty of Union).
- Began to accept that Government could not govern without the consent of the governed
- British Constitution history shows struggles between Crown/Executive and Parliament for power.
3
Q
History 2 (Bill of Rights 1688)
A
Bill of Rights 1688
- Parliament to be held regularly
- no tax raises/suspension of laws without Parliament consent
4
Q
History 3 (18th-19th century)
A
18th Century
- convention that King’s ministers must command confidence of Parliament (“Westminister System”)
19th Century
- Sovereignty of Parliament
- Electoral Reform
5
Q
History 4 (20th-21st Century)
A
20th Century
- Mass Democracy
- Modern Party System
- Decline of House of Lords (Salisbury convention - will not oppose 2nd or 3rd reading of any Gov legislation promised in Electoral Manifesto.)
21st Century
- Devolution
- Submission of some power to European Court
6
Q
Function of Crown (3 points)
A
- Monarch summons Parliament and prorogues it at the end of each session (Fixed Term Parliaments Act 2011)
- Annual state opening of Parliament (Queen’s Speech)
- Royal Assent required (last refused 1708)
7
Q
Function of House of Commons (5 points)
A
- Scrutinise all legislation of undevolved matters - consent to legislate always required by devolved nations)
- Maintaining the Government
- Scrutiny of Government Policy and administration
- Debating matters of public concern + importance
- Authorising Taxation and Government expendures
8
Q
Function of House of Lords
A
- Scrutiny of Government Policy and administration
- Debating matters of public concern and importance
- Scrutinising all proposed legislation (can delay Bill for 1 year only)
- Supplies some of Government Ministers
