Proposing Legislation: The Role of the Executive Flashcards
What role does the executive play in the legislative process?
The executive plays a crucial role in initiating new laws or amendments to existing laws, enabling the government to shape policy, address issues, and fulfill election promises. The introduction of new legislation is a key function of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
What is the King’s Speech, and what does did the July 2024 Speech include?
- The King’s Speech is delivered at the start of each parliamentary session, announcing the government’s legislative agenda.
- Though read out by the monarch, it is written by the government and reflects the priorities of the ruling party.
- The July 2024 Speech included key proposals like the Renters’ Rights Bill (Aimed at banning “no fault” evictions), Great British Energy Bill (Proposed creating a state-owned energy company), and Passenger Railway Services Bill (A proposal to renationalise passenger rail services as existing contracts expire.)
What is the “doctor’s mandate” in the legislative process?
The “doctor’s mandate” allows the executive to introduce legislation in response to emergencies or unforeseen challenges, bypassing typical political constraints. This can include crises like national security threats or the need to align with international law, such as the Terrorism Act 2000.
How does the consultation process work before introducing legislation?
Ministers engage in consultations with stakeholders like pressure groups, professional bodies, and experts to ensure broad support and refine proposals. For example, the Cameron government consulted employers on the Apprenticeship Levy before its introduction in 2017.
How is the executive’s ability to propose legislation tied to its electoral mandate?
The executive’s ability to propose legislation is tied to the electoral mandate they received in the general election. However, the government is also held accountable to Parliament, which can scrutinise, amend, or reject proposed laws.
What was the controversy surrounding the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011?
The Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011, which proposed to change the electoral cycle, faced significant parliamentary debate. Critics questioned its utility and long-term effects.
What role do ministers play in the legislative process?
Cabinet ministers are responsible for drafting and presenting legislation in their specific policy areas, ensuring that proposed laws align with the government’s broader objectives like economic growth, social welfare, or national security.
What is the theory of Parliamentary Sovereignty?
Parliamentary Sovereignty underpins the executive’s ability to propose laws, but Parliament retains the power to amend, delay, or reject them.
What does the Prime Ministerial Government model suggest?
The Prime Ministerial Government model suggests that the Prime Minister wields significant influence in the legislative process, controlling the executive agenda.
What is the Core Executive Model?
The Core Executive Model posits that the executive is not just the Prime Minister and Cabinet, but also the civil service, which plays an essential role in policy formulation and legislative drafting.
What criticisms are there of the executive’s dominance in proposing legislation?
Critics argue that the executive’s dominance can lead to over-centralisation of power, reducing Parliament’s role and undermining democratic accountability. For example, the use of Statutory Instruments (delegated legislation) allows ministers to amend primary legislation without full parliamentary scrutiny.
How does the executive interact with Parliament in the legislative process?
The executive proposes legislation, but it requires Parliament’s cooperation to pass it. The party majority in the House of Commons plays a significant role in facilitating or obstructing the executive’s legislative agenda.
What is a case study of emergency legislation proposed by the executive?
The Coronavirus Act 2020 is an example of emergency legislation proposed to address the Covid-19 pandemic, granting the executive significant powers to impose restrictions, provide financial support, and manage the healthcare crisis.
