Chapter 7- Parliament And Government

Question 1

Examples of minority governments

Answer 1

Wilson Labour Government 1974- had no majority- called election again and secured majority of 3 seats.
Callaghan Government 1976-79: Lib-Lab pact- Liberals supported Labour in key votes
Major’s gov- 1996-7: lost majority. Supported by Ulster unionist MPs.

Question 2

Coalition Gov

Answer 2

Two parties or more work together- eg Lib Dems and Conservatives- majority of 79. Can result in parliamentary rebellion (voting against the whip)

Question 3

Party Unity

Answer 3

MPs usually follow the whip- but can rebel against it. In conservative-Lib Dem coalition: 2010-12: 153 MPs from coalition parties voted against whip

Question 4

Assertive House of Lords

Answer 4

Upper house post-97 more assertive- blocking & more involved with acts. Eg hunting act 2004

Question 5

House of Lord’s effectiveness impacted by…

Answer 5

Party balance
Enhanced legitimacy
Government mandate
Support from MPs

Question 6

Government Majority size

Answer 6

Effects parliament’s relationship with government- larger majority= more bills pushed through- smaller- very little gets done.