Constitutional Reforms

Question 1

What reforms have enhanced democracy?

Answer 1

• House of Lords reform
• Electoral reform
• Recall
• Wright reforms (giving power to backbenchers)
• English votes for English laws

Question 2

What reforms have enchanced rights?

Answer 2

• Human rights act 1998

- Freedom of information act 2000

Question 3

What reforms have decentralised power?

Answer 3

• Devolution (to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• Exiting the EU
• Elected mayors
• Police and crime commissioners

Question 4

What reforms have modernised the system?

Answer 4

• Fixed term parliaments 2011

- Constitutional reform act 2005

Question 5

Has devolution been a success?

Answer 5

• Hasn’t broken up the UK
• Assemblies are very popular, no main parties have said they should be overturned
• Welsh interest in devolution has increased
• Has secured a peaceful environment in Northern Ireland
• Elected mayors have led to greater identity in England

Question 6

Has devolution been a failure?

Answer 6

• Different policies were necessary to support the different devolved regions in distinct ways
• England has been short-changed in the devolution settlement
• West Lothian question unanswered
• Devolved assemblies have a low turnout
• Scottish desire to be indepdent has increased since it got its own assembly