Parliament

Parliament - functions

Understanding Parliamentary Government

Parliament - structure

Parliament - committees

Parliament - legislative function

Parliament - Scrutiny

Parliament - legitimacy

Parliament - Representation

Parliament - Reforms

Parliament - an evaluation

REVISION TASKS








PARLIAMENT REVISION

Attempt the (a) & (b) question from this section A question & then 2 of the section B questions attached

Source question

Despite the arrival of potentially weaker coalition government in 2010, the UK parliament remains relatively powerless in the face of government power. The power of the party whips is based on prime ministerial patronage, party loyalty, collective responsibility & the constant threat that rebellious MP’s will ultimately be dropped by their local party & so lose their seat. In the past, large government have enabled the government to drive through its legislation, despite determined opposition. Departmental select committees & a more active House of Lords are rare examples of parliamentary power. The select committees cannot enforce their recommendations & the House of Lords powers are limited by law. Even under coalition government, most legislative proposals are safe from parliamentary interference. New reforms now being proposed, however, suggest that the tide may be turning & that parliamentary power may increase in the future.

(a)   With reference to the sources, outline two reasons why Parliament is dominated by the government

(b)  With reference to the source & your own knowledge, how can Parliament check the power of the government?

(c)   How has it been proposed to strengthen Parliaments control of the executive?