Conservative constitutional reform Flashcards
How did the conservatives and lib dems conflict over constitutional reform while in coalition together?
- The conservatives wishes only to redress some of the issues left behind by the New Labour reforms
- The Lib Dems were committed to widespread, radical constitutional reforms
What did the 2011 fixed terms parliament act do?
Established a pattern of general elections being held every five years, from 2015. Thus removing the PM’s ability to call an election at a favourable time
Why can the fixed terms parliament act be seen as a failure?
Early election were called in 2017 and 2019 and the Johnson government looked to replace the act in 2021
Why was the fixed terms parliament act important in the context of the coalition?
- If the two parties came into conflict it would be very easy for parliament to defeat the coalition in a confidence vote
- The PM could use his power to call elections to bully the Lib Dems into agreeing
- It would therefore allow disagreement without the government falling apart
What were the only two ways an early election could be called under the fixed term parliaments act?
- If two thirds of the commons consented
- If the government lost a confidence vote and no new government had been formed in 14 days
How was Theresa May able to call a snap election in 2017 in spite of the FTP Act?
She achieved a 2/3 commons majority in her motion as the opposition would risk seeming weak if it voted against
What did the 2015 recall of MPs Act allow constituents to do?
Recall an MP who had been involved in some kind of misbehaviour. The process is set in motion if 10% of the voters in the constituency sign the petition
Why is the recall of MPs act limited?
Because MPs cannot be recalled for things like voting records and or policy statements
Which two MPs lost their seat due to recall in 2019?
- Fiona Onosanya lost her seat for a custodial sentence of less than a year
- Christopher Davies for publishing a misleading expenses claim
What did the 2006 Government of Wales Act do?
Promised more devolution of powers to the Welsh Senedd if the people approved it in a referendum in order to address the problem of asymmetric devolution
What was the result of the 2011 referendum on extending Welsh devolution?
64% of voters approved
What was the result of the 2011 Welsh devolution referendum?
The Welsh government gained the power to make primary legislation in 20 key areas and would no longer need these decisions to be approved by Westminster
What does the Silk Commission do?
Investigates which powers could be better devolved to Wales to meet the needs of its people
What did the 2014 Wales Act do?
Transferred control of some smaller taxes to devolved Welsh institutions. Also symbolically changes the name of the Welsh Assembly Government to the Welsh Government
What did the 2014 and 2015 House of Lords reform acts do?
Aimed to halt the increase of of those sitting and voting in the house of lords by allowing peers to retire or resign. Also allowed for removal based on serious criminal offences or non-attendance
