Structural Theory: To Explain Legislative/executive Relations In The UK + US

Question 1

What are three ways structural theory can be used to study executive/legislative relations in the UK + US?

Answer 1

-structures as tools for political analysis like legislatures Congress/Parliament
-relevant features of of the environment in which structures exist such as legal framework
-structures of legislatures - fusions v separation of powers

Question 2

How is structural theory used to explain executive-legislative relations?

Answer 2

-focus on institutional frameworks etc.
-David Eaton analyses interactions between the branches of gov - applies structural theory to explore how formal structure of gov in UK + US shape dynamics between exec + legislative

Question 3

How is the Congress a structural tool for political analysis of the legislature in the US?

Answer 3

-bicameral structure - HoR + senate
-HoR = designed represent population with members directly elected by public + more responsible to shifts in public opinion
-Senate = represents states equity with each state having 2 senators providing a stable body of gov

Question 4

What is the structural analysis of the Congress?

Answer 4

-bicameral structure creates checks + balances within legislature itself
-e.g. legislation must be approved by both houses before becomes law

Question 5

What is an example of these checks and balances?

Answer 5

-filibuster in senate allowing minority of senators delay or block legislation by extending the debate checking on the majority party
-e.g. 2021 Rand Paul filibuster debate confirmation of Rachel Levine as assistant sec for health raising concerns about her views on transgender medical treatments for minors

Question 6

How is parliament a structural tool for the political analysis of legislative relations in the UK?

Answer 6

-shaping how power is distributed between exec + legislature
-bicameral structure = HoC + HoL

Question 7

What are the different roles in the legislative process in the HoC + HoL?

Answer 7

-HoC = elected chamber representing constituencies across UK - holds most power + primary body responsible for passing laws
-HoL = unelected consisting of appointed life peers, bishops + hereditary peers - reviews + suggests amendments but cannot block legislation that HoC supports

Question 8

What is the structural analysis of this bicameral structure?

Answer 8

-creates balance of power between two houses
-HoC has final say on laws but HoL acts as revising chamber that can debate or suggests changes to bills - ensures bills undergo detailed scrutiny before becoming law
-asymmetrical bicameralism - HoC has more power than Lords

Question 9

What is an example of the HoL providing checks in laws?

Answer 9

-EU withdrawal agreement 2019 delayed by HoL
-extended debates + revised key parts that were fast racked through commons

Question 10

What is the legal framework that explains the relationship between the executive and the legislature in the UK?

Answer 10

-parl sovereignty - parl supreme legal authority
-shapes relationship between executive + legislature -while executive propose legislation cannot override parl authority

Question 11

What is an example of this?

Answer 11

-exec controls agenda + introduces most bills - parl retains power amend, approve or reject them
-2019 Brexit votes + parl role controlling exec - despite exec desire complete Brexit process parl asserted sovereign power by rejecting ov proposed desk multiple times

Question 12

How does the legal framework of the US explain the relationship between the legislative and the executive?

Answer 12

-through checks + balances
-both exec + legislative have specific powers checking on the other
-e.g. veto power

Question 13

What is an example of this veto power?

Answer 13

-pres power veto bills passed by Congress but Congress can override this veto with 2/3 majority in both chambers - tension between two branches
-farm bill 2008 incl provision of agri subsidies, food assistance programs + renewable energy but W.Bush vetoed the bills increase in spending for nutrition program

Question 14

How did the Congress respond to this veto?

Answer 14

-HoR voted 316-108 favour overriding surpassing the 2/3 majority rule
-2008 farm bill became law despite Bush veto demonstrating Congress ability assert legislative will over executive objections

Question 15

How does structural theory explain the relationship between the legislative and the executive regarding the fusion of power in the UK?

Answer 15

-interconnection between executive + legislature
-ensures legislative-executive cooperation in policy making as exec relies on legislature to pass laws + approve budgets

Question 16

What is an example of this legislature-executive cooperation in the Uk?

Answer 16

-2010 NHS reform + modernisation - privatisation of certain NHS services
-exec prosed these as means to improve efficient, reduce waste + empower local clinicians decision making but reforms controversial

Question 17

What did this show?

Answer 17

-as unpopular showed the need for parl + exec work together in scrutinising the bill to input key changes resonating with the electorate

Question 18

How does structural theory explain the relationship between the legislative and the executive regarding the separation of powers in the US?

Answer 18

-tripartite system with 3 separate branches
-legislature makes laws, controls federal spending, declare war + ratify treaties
-executive - enforcing laws passed by congress

Question 19

What is an example of the separation of powers in practice?

Answer 19

-affordable care act 2010
-Congress passed act aiming expand healthcare coverage + reduce healthcare costs
-Obama signed it into law using executive power to enact legislation but the pres role also oversee implementation through executive agencies like dep of health + human services