Comparing The Constitutions Of Britain And America: Strengths And Weakness Of Each Legislature Flashcards
What is the average background and diversity of both legislatures?
Mainly old white men
There was a record amount of women elected to parliament in 2019, how many so?
220 women (34%)
How many women are there in congress after the 2022 elections?
179 women (29%)
How many MPs are from minority ethnic backgrounds?
Around 10%
How many Congress members come from minority ethnic backgrounds?
Around a quarter
What does Parliament have a broader, though not big, range of compared to Congress?
Range of third parties
Who was the only Republican senator to break ranks with Trump’s impeachment in 2020?
Mitt Romney
Why does Parliament have a better check on the executive than Congress?
Backbenchers have more power on the executive, especially rebelling, while impeachment in the US seems to prove impossible due to the strong partisanship and two-thirds supermajority required
What are examples of Congressional committees launching inquires and investigations into areas of executive action?
The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq under George W. Bush’s presidency or alleged political bias at the Internal Revenue Service during the Barack Obama
Why are Parliaments select committees not as strong as Congressional committees?
They lack direct powers to enforce their findings on government
What is an useful tool Parliament has to question the executive?
Prime Ministers Question Time (PMQs)
What is the more efficient legislator?
Parliament
Why do some argue Congress is more effective legislator?
Because of the equality of the two chambers, it can scrutinise important fiscal issues more effectively
What are examples of both legislators working quickly?
Covid-19 pandemic and terrorist incidents
What year was the last time Congress had an approval rating of more than 50%?
2003
