UK GOV- PARLI : 2.4 AND 4.2 Relationship between Government and Parliament Flashcards
What term describes the extent to which the Government controls Parliament?
Elective dictatorship
Coined by Lord Hailsham in 1976.
List the five constitutional principles.
- Parliamentary sovereignty
- Rule of law
- Constitutional monarchy
- Fusion of powers
- Unitary state
What are the four functions of Parliament?
- Legislation
- Representation
- Scrutiny
- Training of ministers
Name three reasons why someone may be chosen to be a Lord.
- As a reward for service
- To increase the membership of a party
- To be made into a minister
What are the two models of representation?
- Trustee (Burkean)
- Delegate
Provide an example of a government defeat.
Sunak’s defeat over blood scandal compensation (2023), only one defeat from (2022-2024)
May’s numerous defeats over Brexit are also notable.
What is the relationship between parliamentary sovereignty, fusion of powers, and unitary state?
They contribute to the concept of elective dictatorship.
How does the government dominate Parliament?
Through multiple mechanisms including:
* Control of Parliamentary business
* Party loyalty
* Strong whipping system
What does Standing Order 14 grant?
Dominance on most days in Parliament.
What electoral system typically produces firm majorities in Parliament?
First Past The Post (FPTP)
Name a Prime Minister who experienced a significant number of Commons defeats.
Theresa May with 33 defeats.
True or False: The Lords are more inclined to challenge the government than the Commons.
True
What are the Parliament Acts of 1911 and 1949?
They restrict the Lords’ power of scrutiny by allowing a one-year delay on legislation.
What is the Salisbury Convention?
The Lords will not challenge anything in the governing party’s manifesto.
What is financial privilege in relation to the Lords?
The Lords will not vote on any bill raising money.
What was the Conservative Government of 2019-2021’s number of defeats in the Lords?
114 times
How might a Prime Minister’s power be limited by their own party?
Through internal party votes of no confidence.
What role does the 1922 Committee play in the Conservative Party?
Responsible for the leadership of the party.
Fill in the blank: An 80 seat majority allows a Prime Minister to pass legislation with fewer _______.
checks
What impact does an elective dictatorship have on the rights of individuals?
It can undermine individual rights due to lack of scrutiny.
How did Boris Johnson utilize his majority to limit protest powers?
By passing the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022.
What happens if 15% of Conservative MPs submit a vote of no confidence?
A party vote of no confidence is called.
What is the significance of party factions in relation to a Prime Minister’s power?
They can threaten the Prime Minister’s authority and stability.
