MOCKS: Evaluate the view that Parliament is effective in shaping government legislation Flashcards
What 3 factors argue Parliament IS effective?
Backbenchers
Effective scrutiny
HOL
What 2 factors argue Parliament ISN’T effective?
Executive dominance
Strong whip
How are backbenchers significant for the government to pass legislation? Example?
If the govt can’t maintain backbencher support, likely bills will be rejected.
Govt shape propose legislation accordingly and make concessions to win support.
E.g., 2018 Theresa May govt.
Defeated 14 times over EU Withdrawal Bill. Resulted in returning to the HOC where rebels got concessions from govt over parliament’s final vote on the Brexit deal.
Does a popular prime minister get bills rejected by backbenchers? Example?
Rare, but yes.
E.g., 2005 Tony Blair defeated 291-322 when proposed an amendment to the Terrorism Bill.
Would have allowed suspects to be held without charge for 90 days.
How does FPTP provide the executive with dominance? Example?
Most govts have a clear majority so can govern as they please without effective scrutiny.
E.g., Tony Blair- 179 majority.
Didn’t lose a single HOC vote in his first 8 years as PM.
Due to the executive having a large majority in parliament, how does this parliament’s effectiveness?
Executive is normally capable of pushing through their agenda due to numbers on their side.
When does the HOC tend to scrutinise well?
When an issue is very controversial or so important that MPs defy the whip.
Provide media examples of where the HOC scrutinise.
PMQs.
Do PMQs offer good scrutiny? Example?
Yes.
Although sometimes referred to as a ‘Pantomime performance’.
2022 Elections Bill
Provide an record example of HOC’s effective scrutiny. Defying whip?
January 2019.
Theresa May’s Brexit deal record defeated by 230 votes.
118 Tory rebels.
Overall, how does effective scrutiny show parliament is effective?
Depending on the issue, whip power can be weakened.
How whipped are MPs?
Heavily.
Rarely rebel.
Why are MPs whipped?
MPs owe thanks to the party for their seat.
Rely on leaders’ help for personal advancement.
How is party whip evident since the 2019 General Election?
321 MPs have never once voted against their own party.
Overall, how does the strong whip show parliament isn’t effective?
Legislation scrutiny in the HOC is often ineffective.
