Comparing Legislatures Flashcards
What are some key similarities between the legislatures?
Both pass laws with legislative supremacy over devolved measures
Each has a vital representative role
Both have important checks on the executive
Both are bicameral
Parties dominate proceedings in both
What is similar about the demographics of the legislatures?
Both are more male, whiter and older than the general population (just 34% of MPs women, 28% of Congress)
What is different about the party system in each legislature?
Everyone in Congress is either a member of, or aligned with, one of two political parties while in the UK a broader range of parties are represented
What is the critical difference between the legislatures’ relationship with the executive?
The Prime Minister must enjoy the confidence of the House of Commons while the President has a separate mandate and can only be removed by a two thirds majority in the Senate
What mechanism exists in both legislatures to scrutinise the executive?
Committees, both can launch enquires and investigations into the actions of the executive but neither has direct powers to enforce their findings on the government
What are some of Parliament’s key strengths?
Ability to question members of the executive directly, range of parties represented, government can implement its policies with relative ease
What are some of Parliament’s key weaknesses?
Does that proved effective enough check on the executive, especially over fiscal policy
The second chamber is weak
Committees dominated by either party or are relatively toothless
What are Congress’ main strengths?
A strong and established committee system
2 powerful changes that balance each other and the executives’ power
Important checks on the executive (veto override, impeachment)
What are some of Congress’ main weaknesses?
Congress is too good at ensuring nothing happens
The function of Committees has been damaged by the increasing partisanship of US politics
