Comparative side Flashcards
What is the difference in how many bills are introduced?
In the 114th congress, 10,000 bills were introduced whereas parliament saw 193 between 2015/16
What is the difference in representation?
UK has stronger party unity and the whip system making them vote in a certain way. USA follow what their constituents want like Bob Casey of Pennsylvania a democrat who is anti abortion. (Pennsylvania has seen a decline of clinics so maybe more opposed)
What is the difference in the frequency of elections?
HoR every two years, senate every six. Structural difference.
3 strengths of the HoR
1) initiate all money bills
2) elections every 2 years mean listen more to constituents
3) committees
Example of a committee in the HoR
Legislative process committee
Difference between standing committees in both
Standing Committees are Permanent, Select are ad hoc. Standing Committees (Public Bill Committees) are ad hoc, Select Committees are permanent.
What is the difference in when the committee stage is?
In UK it is after second reading, before in US
What was commented about gridlock?
‘Senate has literally forgotten how to function,” said Senator Angus King
3 strengths of senate
1) right to confirm appointments
2) power to try impeachment cases
3) power to ratify treaties
3 strengths of HoL
1) members are experts in different areas
2) legislative debate is detailed and high quality
3 weaknesses of the senate
1) increase in filibustering (60 votes needed to end it)
2) direct scrutiny is limited to the committees
3) equal legislation power of the HoR
3 weaknesses of HoL
1) Parliament acts 1911/1949
2) salisbury convention
3) not elected so not fully representative
example of filibustering?
June 2016, Chris Murphy spoke for 14 hours and 50 minutes about gun control measures to block legislation
4 ways congress scrutinise executive
1) impeachment
2) committees
3) confirm appointments
4) ratify treaties
example of a treaty that was not ratified
treaty of versailles
