Comparative Legislatures

Question 1

Strengths/Weaknesses - HoC

Answer 1

• More powerful, Strong backbench, Strong constituency

- But Whips strong, Executive dominance and Government majority in committees

Question 2

Strengths/Weaknesses - HoL

Answer 2

Time to debate, reduced party discipline, willing to challenge HoC
- But Unelected and hered peers, Salisbury convention and big size

Question 3

Strengths/Weaknesses - House of Representatives

Answer 3

• Strong constituency links, representation by population and effective control by majority party
• But Short election cycle, speaker can make minor party ignored, shared legislative power

Question 4

Strengths/Weaknesses - Senate

Answer 4

• Unanimous consent, power of filibuster, six year terms and representation of states interests
• But Shared legislative power, Unan consent cause gridlock, Not proportionate representation

Question 5

Similarities in structure and ability

Answer 5

Bicameral nature
Limited effective scrutiny
Strong constituency links in lower chamber

Question 6

Differences in Structure and ability

Answer 6

Level of party discipline
Power between the two chambers
Legislative output