MOCKS: Evaluate the view that since 2010 the executive has dominated Parliament. Flashcards
What are the 4 factors?
FPTP
Parliamentary committees
Ministerial resignations
Party divisions
FPTP: How is the parliament dominated by the executive? (Starter)
By being elected through a majority under FPTP.
In 2019, what majority did Boris Johnson win?
80 seat majority.
Highest since 1979.
What does a PM having a seat majority mean in terms of influence?
Has large amounts of support/loyalty so less likely to have opposition due to disproportionate seat representation.
Less resistance.
With the PM having a seat majority, what Committees does he also have a majority in? Influence?
Public Bill Committees.
Where detailed examinations of bills occur.
Will effectively pass policy ideas.
Who has faced effective scrutiny from parliament since 2010?
Coalition government and Tory governments.
Provide an example where the coalition government was scrutinised on a bill.
2012 HOL Reform Bill.
Abandoned bill.
Provide an example where Boris Johnson faced parliamentary scrutiny.
Over the Partygate scandal.
Received £50 fine for breaching COVID rules.
How does the executive facing scrutiny show it has not dominated parliament?
Executive is accountable for their actions.
Parliament yields power no matter what.
Used as a check and balance.
Provide an example where parliament scrutinised Liz Truss’ government.
2022.
Parliament criticised Kwasi Kwarteng’s 45p income tax rate.
Led to the downfall of the executive over 40 days.
Overall, what does FPTP show in turns of dominance?
Parliament will continue to challenge the executive so it doesn’t dominate.
Parliament committees: How does the executive dominate parliament? (Starter)
Argued parliament committees are weak.
When and what did Boris Johnson avoid attending? How does this show dominance?
2019.
Johnson avoided attending the liaison committee 3 times.
Meant he could avoid criticism over actions.
How does the executive missing committee appearances mean in terms of dominance?
Government can avoid criticism and may feel more entitled to do what they want without compromises.
Ignoring a parliament session makes the executive seem superior to it.
Public may see this, and view the executive higher.
What made parliament committees more effective in their functions?
The Wright Reforms.
