Parliament Overview Flashcards
What is the fusion of powers?
The Executive and Legislative branches are fused.
Why is there a fusion of powers?
Due to the overlap between the membership of the two branches, the government consisting of membership of the legislature.
Who holds the government accountable?
The parliament can dismiss the executive through a vote of confidence.
How can the government dissolve parliament?
By calling an election.
How is the government decided?
According to their strength in Parliament. PM is decided by the largest party (generally the leader).
What does the term Collective Government mean?
The Executive Branch is led by a PM who chairs a cabinet of senior ministers.
What is Collective Responsibility?
This is the requirement stating government ministers must support government policy once it has been agreed.
Explain the separate head of state
The Head of the Executive Branch (PM) isn’t head of state. The UK is a constitutional monarchy.
What does the role of Prime Minister entail?
Political Leadership - decides political direction of gov.
National Leadership - provides leadership in crisis’
Appointing the government - appoints/dismisses ministers
Chairing the cabinet - Steers cabinet, creates committees
Manages the executive - can restructure gov. deps + civil service
What factors affect the power of the PM?
Leadership skills,
Policy success,
Public opinion/popularity
Large parliamentary majority
What type of legislature does the UK have?
Bicameral (two chambers), split into the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
What are some of the key elements of the primacy of the Commons?
Legitimacy - actually elected, no life/hereditary peers
Exclusive powers - right to insist on legislation
What is the Salisbury Doctrine?
The House of Lords should not oppose implementing manifesto commitments.
What are some of the institutional advantages of the Executive?
Control of the legislative agenda - bills are proposed by the government, and they decide the timetable.
Secondary legislation - gives ministers the power to amend some existing legislation
Prerogative powers - powers exercised by ministers, on behalf of the Crown. Does not require parliamentary approval
What are some examples of prerogative powers?
Making and ratifying treaties,
Deploying armed forces overseas
