UK GOV: 2.1.4.1 Reforming the constitution Flashcards
What are the key themes to consider when evaluating the codification of the UK constitution?
- Need for further reform
- Appropriateness of an uncodified constitution
- Impact of reforms since 1997
What are the key recommendations from the Brown Commission regarding constitutional reform?
- An elected second chamber
- Greater decentralisation
- Codifying the responsibilities of government
- New ethical standard measures for Westminster
What is the Barnett formula?
A formula used by the UK Treasury to calculate annual block grants for the Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish governments
Why might English voters be unhappy with the Barnett formula?
Per person spending in devolved regions is more than in England
True or False: Devolution has completely satisfied national calls for independence in Scotland.
False
Fill in the blank: The Scotland Act 1979 established the _______.
Scottish Parliament
What are some potential forms of constitutional reform?
- Further devolution
- More House of Lords reform
- Electoral reform
- A British Bill of Rights
What are the weaknesses of the UK constitution highlighted by Brexit and the Rwanda Plan?
- Over reliance on conventions
- Accommodates an elective dictatorship
- Promotes centralisation
- Ill-suited to protect rights
What does Standing Order 14 allow the Government to do?
Dominate the parliamentary agenda
What is a significant consequence of the Government’s use of Standing Order 14 during Brexit?
Limited options considered for debate
Evaluate the view that devolution has been successful.
Devolution has provided more localized policy choices, such as free prescriptions in Wales and revised farm subsidies in Northern Ireland
What is one argument against the success of devolution?
It has not calmed nationalist calls for independence in Scotland
What is a major criticism of the current UK constitution regarding policy-making during national emergencies?
Devolution fails to encourage a unified policy approach
What is the main aim of the Brown Commission’s recommendations?
To explore future reform measures to the constitution
Highlight one way in which devolution has failed according to critics.
Westminster’s power to frustrate the will of the Scottish people
What is one key factor that has contributed to the push for Scottish independence despite devolution?
Electoral success of nationalist parties like the SNP
What is a significant challenge faced by devolved governments during the COVID pandemic?
Disparity of policy regarding lockdowns and vaccine passports
What might be a potential reform of the House of Lords?
A fully elected chamber
Fill in the blank: The Gender Recognition Reform Bill 2022 was blocked by the _______.
Conservative Government
How did devolution impact policy choices in Northern Ireland?
Allowed for revised farm subsidies that replaced EU agricultural policy
What is one argument for the necessity of reforming the UK constitution?
To address vulnerabilities and failures highlighted by recent political events
