2018 exam

Question 1

give three reason why backbench MP’s are effective with examples

Answer 1

• the backbench business committee allows them to choose the topic for debate- 2015 Harvey’s law
• backbench rebellions have risen so government gives them more consideration- 2013 H of L reform bill was dropped
• increased use of urgent questions allows them to scrutinise government

Question 2

give three reason why backbench MP’s are not effective with examples

Answer 2

• issues may be raised but action not taken
• party loyalty is reinforced by whips
• if government has a majority they can use this to make decisions

Question 3

give two reasons why the prime minister is a presidential pm

Answer 3

• PM sets the agenda so they decide what to talk about

* PM chooses who is in the cabinet and the committees

Question 4

give two reasons why the prime minister is not a presidential pm

Answer 4

• if minister doesn’t agree with cabinet decisions they can resign
• in reality we don’t have a presidential system

Question 5

give three reasons why the PM does dominate the cabinet with examples

Answer 5

• decisions are usually made by committees which are chosen by the PM- 1997 blair decision to take control of interest rates
• PM controls agenda and length of meetings
• ministers are reluctant to challenge PM cause he can demote or dismiss them

Question 6

give three reasons why the PM does not dominate the cabinet with examples

Answer 6

• the PM uses cabinet support on important issues- cameron presented the renegotiation of eu membership
• the cabinet approves government decisions and can refute them-minister robin cooke did not accept the iraq war decision
• the cabinet is where government decisions are discussed and where disagreements are resolved

Question 7

give three reasons why parliament does control government

Answer 7

• in minority governments parliament keeps their voice
• PMQ’s allow parliament to scrutinise government
• committees can question the government

Question 8

give three reasons why parliament does not control government

Answer 8

• government is formed from the winning party and has the largest majority
• there are planted questions at PMQ’s and committees that are put in place to benefit the government
• whips uphold party loyalty and can threaten demotion or dismissal

Question 9

give three reasons why a codified constitution would improve uk government

Answer 9

• codified constitution has a higher status than other laws
• can educate the public about constitutional institutions and create respect for political institutions
• human rights act can be solidified

Question 10

give two reasons why a codified constitution would not

improve uk government

Answer 10

• would be less flexible as amendments in the us need 2/3 of congress and 3/4 of state support
• uncodified provides power to government and means they can put in significant and thatcher and blair used this to their advantage

Question 11

give three reasons why constitutional reforms have strengthened the uk since 1997

Answer 11

• devolution led to peace is northern ireland
• end of hereditary peers in H of L so lords are chosen based on skill
• 1998 human rights protects people

Question 12

give three reasons why constitutional reforms have not strengthened the uk since 1997

Answer 12

• powers of devolution are limited as scotland wants to be independent
• the constitution is unentrenched so human rights act can be abolished
• lords are still not elected

Question 13

give three reasons why devolved parliaments should be extended to include an english parliament

Answer 13

• under barnett formula england receives less power per person so english parliament would correct this
• EVEL makes scottish mps second class representatives so english parliament would correct this
• devolution has worked in scotland and wales

Question 14

give three reasons why devolved parliaments should not be extended to include an english parliament

Answer 14

• the laws would clash or overlap between parliaments
• EVEL may have resolved the west loathian question which is where scottish mps can vote on english but english mps can’t vote on scottish laws
• public opinion- blair proposed english parenthood but public rejected it so there is no demand

Question 15

give two reasons why supreme court can control governmental power with examples

Answer 15

• judicial review can stop government action that breaches law- gina miller caused judicial review that resulted in parliament having to decide on brexit after referendum
• the human rights act created clear rules on the rights of individuals -votes for prisoners

Question 16

give two reasons why supreme court can not control governmental power

Answer 16

• the supreme can’t make laws or get rid of them only government can
• the government can abolish things like human rights

Question 17

give three reasons why parliament does have sovereignty within the UK political system

Answer 17

• parliament decides to give power to devolved parliaments
• parliament can abolish supreme court and human rights act
• parliament can hold referendums eg brexit

Question 18

give three reasons why parliament does not have sovereignty within the UK political system

Answer 18

• we’re still currently in the eu so under eu law
• devolution means that parliament does not have sovereignty
• increased use of referendums means that power is given to the people