Politics

Is Parliament effective in fulfilling its legislative function?

Yes, it can scrutinise and amend bills, as shown by the Lords amending the Illegal Migration Bill over 100 times in 2023.

What is a significant example of Parliament influencing policy?

Select Committees, such as those influencing the NHS long-term plan.

What is a counterpoint to Parliament's legislative effectiveness?

Government dominance undermines Parliament, with 97% of government bills passing.

Can Parliament revise legislation?

Yes, but rarely defeats governments with large majorities.

Is Parliament effective in representing the population?

No, it is limited in fair representation, evidenced by the Conservatives winning 56% of seats with only 44% of the vote in 2019.

What limitation exists within the House of Lords?

The Lords is unelected, which affects its representative nature.

How has representation in Parliament improved?

It is the most ethnically diverse Parliament ever, with 65 BAME MPs in 2022.

What is a key factor limiting Parliament's representation?

The First Past The Post (FPTP) system and the unelected nature of the Lords.

How has Parliament shown it can check the government?

Through backbench rebellions, as seen when Johnson faced 89 rebellions from 2021-22.

What example indicates the independence of Parliamentary scrutiny?

The Privileges Committee found Johnson misled Parliament.

What is a counterpoint regarding Parliament's ability to check the government?

Executives can bypass Parliament, as demonstrated when Johnson unlawfully prorogued Parliament in 2019.

Are select committees effective in scrutinizing the executive?

Yes, they are seen as Parliament’s strongest scrutiny tool.

What is a limitation of select committees?

They can be ignored by the government.

What happens during Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs)?

They create accountability, with ministers expected to regularly explain government actions.

What is a criticism of PMQs?

They can often be theatrical rather than meaningful scrutiny.

How does the House of Lords contribute to scrutiny?

It has many peers with expertise, providing detailed scrutiny of legislation.

What is a drawback of the House of Lords concerning its powers?

The Lords lacks democratic legitimacy as an unelected body.

Is the House of Lords as effective as the Commons?

The Lords may be better at revising legislation but has less constitutional power.

What is a key strength of the Commons?

It is more representative because all members are elected.

What indicates that the Commons is more powerful in representation?

650 elected MPs versus the unelected Lords.

What is an example of recent limitations on cabinet power?

Cabinet meetings became shorter under Blair, indicating a decline in traditional cabinet governance.

What does collective ministerial responsibility (CMR) ensure?

It ensures unity and coherence within the cabinet during decision-making.

What recent event shows CMR's flexibility?

It was suspended during the EU referendum.

How does the UK Supreme Court demonstrate independence?

Judges have security of tenure and are appointed independently, reducing political influence.

What recent ruling shows the Court can challenge the executive?

The Miller cases against government actions regarding prorogation.

Is the UK Constitution fit for purpose?

Its flexibility adapts easily, allowing change without crisis, but its lack of clarity can create uncertainty.

What is the impact of devolution on the UK's political structure?

Devolution has improved local responsiveness but created constitutional ambiguities.

What argument exists for codifying the UK Constitution?

Codification could protect rights and prevent executive abuse, yet it might weaken parliamentary sovereignty.

Have electoral reforms strengthened democracy in the UK?

PR systems have improved representation in devolved bodies, but reforms remain unfinished.

Do pressure groups promote democracy in the UK?

They enhance participatory democracy but can lack accountability.

Is the UK suffering from a participation crisis?

There is declining traditional engagement, but new methods of participation are emerging.

What is the future of referendums in the UK?

They can enhance democracy for clear constitutional questions but carry risks of division and poor regulation.

Does UK democracy protect human rights?

The Human Rights Act has improved rights protection, but parliamentary sovereignty poses risks.

Has devolution been a success?

Devolution improved local governance but failed to eliminate nationalist sentiments, creating new tensions.