Parliaments legislative function for and against them carrying it out well

Why is the UK Parliament seen as one of the most efficient legislative branches in the world

Because the executive branch usually holds a majority in the HOC

In May 2023 what was the % difference between US and UK in passing their bills in law

UK - 43%

US- 2%

What are the 3 Key arguments that Parliament is successful in passing its legislative functions

Landmark laws

Response to Crisis

Scrutiny from HOL

What is the first argument that Parliament is successful at it’s legislative function

It has passed many landmark laws in recent decades

What is the First example of a landmark law that shows this?

Constitutional Reform Act creating Supreme court

What other laws have been passed to extend people’s rights?

Marriage ( Same sex couples) Act 2013

What is the second argument for it being successful at carrying out its legislative function

It has been successful at responding quickly to crises through legislation

Examples of Parliament being successful at responding to crisis through legislation

Coronavirus Act 2020 which passed all emergency power to executive branch which meant that laws could be passed without debate in parliament

What is the third argument for Parliament successfully carrying out its legislative function

All laws are successfully scrutinised by HOL

How long was the Domestic Abuse Act considered in the HOL for

8 months

What was the difference in Blairs defeats in the commons compared to the Lords?

He was undefeated in the commons but faced over 300 Lord defeats

How many defeats did Boris Johnson face in the commons compared to the Lords

Undefeated on legislative votes in commons but faced 240 defeats by Lords

What are the 2 main arguments against Parliament’s effectiveness

Executive branch too much power

Insufficient time to debate a bill

What do critics of the executive branch having too much power state about the Coronavirus Act

It undermined parliamentary scrutiny

What was the executive branch able to do which was bad?

Make huge decisions on public health, economy and education with no debate in Parliament

What is an example of there being little to no time over a debate on a bill?

Boris Johnson gave HOC 5 hours to debate Brexit and he had an 80 seat majority

How many pages was the Brexit deal

over 1000

What Bill did Parliament face scrutiny for passing too quickly

Public Order Act 2023

What are amendments from the Lords often?

IGNORED by the commons

What do all amendments need to be agreed by in order to be passed into the law

the HOC and HOL

What happens when the 2 chambers disagree

They pass the law back and forth known as Parliamentary ping-pong

Why does the Lords usually back down after a couple of months?

Because they are the unelected chamber

What is an example of the Lords backing down

Trade Bill 2021