comparative approaches: US vs UK Legislature Flashcards
Powers of UK parliament
Power to declare war
Less able to restrict the exec esp if there is a large majority of gov MPs
Only Parliament can amend the constitution
Powers of the US congress
power to declare war
able to keep a check on the exec due to SoP
Congress does not has sole power to change the constitution
strengths of HoC
strong reprsentation of constituents
can unilaterally reject legislation
A VoNC can remove a sitting gov
Weaknesses of HoC
Two party dominance means minority voices are not heard often
Large majorities mean leg is not often rejected
Whipping system means individual MPs often cannot vote how they want
Strengths of HoL
Made up of industry experts so real word experience can be implemented into leg
Less party discipline so members can be honest with their views
Delaying powers can force the Commons to rethink
Weaknesses of the HoL
inability to reject leg means they cannot effectively hold the exec to account
Unelected members
Salisbury Convention limits what they can have a say on
Strengths of HoR
Two year electorala cycle means they are seen to appease the public
Elections means there are strong constituency link
Can impeach the pres and directly remove the exec
Weaknesses of HoR
Lack of choice due to FPTP
Gridlock common with high partisanship
Impeachment only means the VP takes control, does not remove the governing party
Strengths of Senate
Longer 6 year term means they can work without thinking about elections
Bicameral scrutiny of legislation makes it more trusted
can ratify treaties, gives it a check over the exec
Weaknesses of the Senate
Filibusters seen as undemocratic and lead to distrust in senators
Over-represenation of small sates due to 2 senators per seat
inefficiet esp when there is a divided gov.
