Case Study (FTPA)

Question 1

When was the Fixed Term Parliaments Act brought in?

Answer 1

2011

Question 2

What did the FTPA do?

Answer 2

-Prevented the ruling government from calling early elections - they must see out the 5 year term

Question 3

What was the only exception to this rule?

Answer 3

If the government loses a vote of no confidence which is confirmed by a second vote after two weeks

Question 4

What’s the other way that an early election could be held?

Answer 4

If 2/3 of MPs vote in favour of an early election

Question 5

For what reasons could it be judged as successful?

Answer 5

-Guaranteed political stability

Question 6

What reasons could it be judged as unsuccessful?

Answer 6

-Repealed in March 2022
-Ignored and overriden twice - first by PM May (522-13 in favour of early election) and then by PM Johnson, who created new legislation to bypass FTPA

Question 7

What was the name of PM Johnson’s bill to circumvent the Act and what did the new Act pass by?

Answer 7

-Early Parliamentary General Election Act
-Passed 438-20
-October 2019

Question 8

What can the overriding of the FTPA be seen as?

Answer 8

An example of parliamentary sovereignty and not being bound to laws passed by a previous Parliament

Question 9

What was the name of the Act which restored how things were before the FTPA?

Answer 9

Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act (2022)