Chapter 6 - 1/7 - Background Flashcards
What is the UK Parliament described as?
The ‘mother of parliaments’.
When did the first parliament meet?
1265
What was the first parliament called and where does it get this name?
The de Montfort Parliament, from the rebellious nobleman Simon de Montfort that called it.
What are the 3 features of parliamentary government?
- The UK Parliament is the highest source of political authority.
- There is a fusion of powers.
- Government is accountable to Parliament.
What 4 things does parliamentary sovereignty mean?
- Parliament is the source of all political power.
- Parliament may restore to itself any powers that have been delegated to others.
- Parliament is ‘omnicompetent’.
- Parliament is not bound by its predecessors or successors.
Why can the UK not have an entrenched constitution?
The principle of parliamentary sovereignty means no Parliament can bind its successor and preventing them from changing laws - something entrenchment does.
What is political sovereignty?
It is where power lies in reality rather than in theory.
Where does political sovereignty lie?
With government as they usually have a majority, guaranteeing that its proposals will be passed by Parliament.
Where does political sovereignty lie during general elections?
With the people electing a new government.
What are meant by Parliament’s reserve powers?
Powers which exist to be used in unusual and extreme circumstances; in other words, they are ‘in reserve’.
What are the UK Parliament’s two key reserve powers?
- Veto legislation.
- Dismiss a government it has lost confidence in.
Who is legally sovereign and who is politically sovereign?
Parliament and government/people respectively.
In what two ways did the EU erode parliamentary sovereignty?
- EU law overrode UK law whenever it conflicted.
- The UK could not pass new conflicting laws.
How have referendums eroded parliamentary soverignty?
Parliament will not ignore the results of referendums so sovereignty during these votes returns to the people.
How has devolution eroded parliamentary sovereignty?
It is inconceivable that devolved powers will be returned Westminster; sovereignty has been transferred in reality but not legally.
