Executive and Parliament Relationship

Question 1

What is elective dictatorship?

Answer 1

the idea in which power has become concentrated in the hands of the executive

Question 2

What factors have let to a rise in elective dictatorship?

Answer 2

• FPTP - tends to deliver single party government, sometimes enjoys the benefit of a large parliamentary majority, based on a small share of the popular vote
• whip system and PM use of patronage (both reinforce party loyalty and discipline)
• government domination of the legislative timetable
• use of the Salisbury convention and Parliament Acts to limit opposition to a government’s programme from Lords

Question 3

How does the constitution uphold elective dictatorship?

Answer 3

due to its uncodified nature, the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty effectively means the Commons is the main chamber and whoever controls Commons is the dominant force in the political system

Question 4

How does the Lords influence government legislation?

Answer 4

constitution committees that scrutinise legislation