British politics

Question 1

What is the ‘Westminster model’?

Answer 1

A form of government exemplified by the British political system in which parliament is sovereign, the executive and legislature are fused, and political power is centralised

Question 2

What is the executive?

Answer 2

The branch of government responsible for the implementation of policy

Question 3

What is the legislature?

Answer 3

The branch of government responsible for passing laws

Question 4

What is the judiciary?

Answer 4

The branch of government responsible for interpreting the law and deciding upon legal disputes

Question 5

What is the rule of law?

Answer 5

A theory holding that the relationship between individual and state is governed by law, protecting the individual from arbitrary state action

Question 6

Describe the British constitution

Answer 6

Uncodified and therefore easily amended

Question 7

How powerful is the judiciary?

Answer 7

They uphold the rule of law but cannot strike down laws made by parliament

Question 8

Describe sub-national government

Answer 8

Largely absent and weak

Question 9

What type of government is the norm?

Answer 9

Single party government, given the use of a single member plurality voting system and the two party system

Question 10

What are civil liberties?

Answer 10

Fundamental individual rights and freedoms that ought to be protected from interference or encroachment by the state

Question 11

What is an elective dictatorship?

Answer 11

Where there is an excessive concentration of power in the executive branch of goverment

Question 12

What are the implications of an elective dictatorship?

Answer 12

Implies that the only check on government is the need to win general elections. Beyond this, they are free to do as they wish because the constitution concentrates power in the executive branch and does not provide effective checks and balances

Question 13

How does the Westminster model make government representative and responsible?

Answer 13

It is accountable to parliament for its actions and to the people through elections. Collective responsibility means that parliament can force the resignation of government. Individual ministerial responsibilty means that ministers must account for their actions in parliament

Question 14

How does the Westminster model ensure that government is strong and effective?

Answer 14

The electoral system produces single party governments with parliamentary majorities. Executive dominance ensures that the government delivers the commitments they made to voters

Question 15

How does the Westminster model help voters with their decision making?

Answer 15

They are presented with a clear choice between the governing and opposition party

Question 16

How is the rule of law beneficial?

Answer 16

It defends basic civil liberties and ensures power is not exercised arbitrarily. Ministers and officials are not above the law

Question 17

Why are there insufficient checks and balances in the Westminster model?

Answer 17

Parliamentary soverignty, the single member plurality electoral system and executive dominance of the legislature allows the government to do whatever it wants. This can produce an elective dictatorship

Question 18

What is the downside of concentrating power centrally?

Answer 18

Decisions are not taken close to the people

Question 19

What does the Westminster model limit opportunity for?

Answer 19

Political participation

Question 20

Why does the Westminster model prevent a strong rights culture?

Answer 20

Governments can use ordinary legislation or executive powers to restrict the rights of citizens