12 MARKER COMPARATIVE APPROACHES

How can the structural approach be used to explain how the US provides greater opportunities for lobbying?

Structural nature of the US gov is underpinned by the separation of powers —> multiple access points for lobbying compared to UK.

What does the cultural approach refer to?

Ideas - prevailing political, social, economic and religious ideas within a nation

What does the rational approach refer to?

How individuals rationally choose what is best for themselves, for their personal gains. Belief that each personal has their own set of political goals

What does the structural approach refer to?

The institutions in a political system and the processes within them

How can the structural approach explain the difference in amendments of the UK and US constitutions

• The US Constitution has been designed to include a clear separation of powers and checks and balances.

• The right of the Supreme Court to judicial review has emerged as a major check on presidential and congressional power

• However, the UK has a fusion of powers. For most of its history, particularly before the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, the judiciary has been intertwined with the executive and legislature meaning criticisms were a rarity.

A major difference in the constitutional amendments process in the US and UK is how easy it is to change the constitution. Explain how it is amended in the US.

• There are two processes by which amendments can be made in the US. Firstly, 2/3 of Congress can agree to an amendment that is then ratified by the states. This process has been used 26/27 times the US constitution has been amended.

• Alternatively, a national convention can be triggered if voted for by 2/3 of the states. The US system requires supermajorities at all states, making it extremely difficult to change.

Explain how Constitutional amendments can be made in the UK

• The UK constitution is incredibly flexible. There is no special procedure via which it can be amended.

• The UK constitution is being constantly amended, with often amendments happening quickly after the other, for instance devolution, Lords reform and HRA, all happening between 1998 and 1999 under New Labour.

Explain