evidence for constitutional reform free essays

example of an unclear convention (May)

on 14th April 2018 Theresa May launched air strikes on the Syrian government believing that they had used chemical weapons, this undermined the convention of consulting Parliament before taking military action which caused distrust and divisions within the Cabinet

example of adapting to changing political times (devolution)

devolution in 1998 happened as a result of rising nationalism in Scotland and Wales

* further Scottish devolution occurred in the Scotland Act 2016 as a result of the Scottish Independence Referendum, this allowed the upholding of the unity of the UK

example suggesting an elective dictatorship (Blair)

Blair’s government suffered no defeats in the Commons between 1997-2005

example aiding in effective governing (Attlee)

Attlee’s government in 1945-51 establishing the NHS and nationalising a wide range of industries

example aiding in effective governing (Thatcher)

Thatcher’s government in 1979-1990 deregulating the economy and introducing privatisation of industries

example aiding in effective governing (Johnson)

Johnson’s governments effective handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 (lots of fast and decisive action)

example of rights not being protected (COVID19)

many people felt the lockdowns in 2020 were a violation of their individual freedom as they were forced to remain in their houses

example of legalistic constitution not working (Bill of Rights)

the US Bill of Rights has not stopped racial discrimination for two centuries

example of policy divergence in Scotland and Wales

the voting age has been reduced to 16 in Scottish and Welsh Parliamentary elections

example of policy divergence in Scotland

in 2002 Scotland made long-term care for the elderly free

example of policy divergence in all three devolved regions

by 2011 prescriptions became free in all devolved regions (not England)

example of asymmetric devolution (Scotland)

the Scotland Act 2012 and 2016 granted Scotland more powers such as more wide ranging judicial power and further tax varying powers

example of asymmetric devolution (Northern Ireland)

Northern Ireland does not have tax varying powers (Wales and Scotland do)

example of the pros of metro mayors

almost 17 million people in England are represented by a metro mayor

example of the cons of metro mayors

there is very low turnout, the current average turnout for the metro mayor elections is 29%