6.1 - The Origins and Development of the UK Parliament

Question 1

What is Parliament?

Answer 1

• Comprises the HofCs and HoLs
• Possesses supreme legislative authority
• Scrutinises the work of government and represents the diverse interests of the UK
• Provides the membership of the government

Question 2

What did the Bills of Rights Act 1689 do?

Answer 2

Established the principle of parliamentary sovereignty

Question 3

Why is the executive and legislature fused in the UK?

Answer 3

The executive is decided with members from the Commons (and some Lords).

Power is derived from the Commons, and if the Commons loses confidence, they can be ousted.

Question 4

What is seen as the first recognisable government?

Answer 4

• The de Montfort Parliament 1265
• The decision of the nobleman Simon de Montfort to summon commoners as well as nobles and churchmen to Westminster Hall in 1265 to discuss reforms

Question 5

What did the Parliaments Acts 1911and 1949 establish/do?

Answer 5

• The principle that the HoLs, as an unelected body, could only delay, not veto, legislation that the HofCs had passed
• 1949 the Lords’ delaying power was reduced to 1 year

Question 6

What did the HoLs Act 1999 do?

Answer 6

All but 92 hereditary peers were removed from the HofLs

• As a result, most members of the Lords are life peers, which has made the HoLs more assertive in its dealings with the HofCs

Question 7

focus on boris, blair and cameron and additional of Thatcher and may