1.4 Debates on further reform

Question 1

arguments that constitutional reform since 1997 improved the state of Uk democracy

Answer 1

• the judiciary can now be said to be genuinely Independent
• through regional and city devolution, power has been decentralised
• elected mayors improve local democracy
• freedom of information has been established

Question 2

arguments that constitutional reform since 1997 has not improve the state of UK democracy

Answer 2

• the electoral system of FPTP for general elections remains grossly unrepresentative in its outcomes
• the HOL remains an unelected, undemocratic part of the legislative
• the largely unreformed HOC remains weak and unrepresentative
• the UK constitution remains uncodified, creating uncertainty and lack of public understanding

Question 3

arguments that devolution should be extended to the English regions?

Answer 3

• it would extend democracy and improve democratic accountability by bringing government closer to communities
• devolved government could better reflect the problems specific to regions
• it would help to prevent excessive differences between living standards and the quality of life in different parts of the UK

Question 4

arguments that devolution should not be extended to the English regions?

Answer 4

• it would create a layer of government that would be expensive
• it would create a need for too many elections, creating voter apathy
• there are few signs of nay great demand for such devolution

Question 5

arguments that the uk should introduce a codified constitution

Answer 5

• to would clarify the nature of the political system to citizens, especially after changes such as devolution and HOL reform
• the Uk would have a two-tier legal system and so constitutional laws would be more clearly identified
• the process of judicial review would be more precise and transparent
• liberals ague that it would have the effect of safeguarding citizen’s rights
• it might prevent the further first towards excessive executive power
• the uk needs to clarify it’d relationship with the EU
• it would bring the UK into line with most other modern democracies

Question 6

arguments that the uk should not introduce a codified constitution

Answer 6

• the uncodified constitution is flexible and can easily adapt to changing circumstances, such as referendum use and the changing role of the HOL
• conservatives argue that it is simply not necessary- the UK has enjoyed a stable political system without a codified constituion
• as the UK operates under a large number of unwritten conventions, especially in relation to the monarchy and prerogative powers, it would be difficult to transfer them into written form
• a codified constituiton would bring unelected judges into the political arena