Politics Revision Notes – Chapter 2 of Unit 2

Parliamentary government – is a system of politics where government is drawn

from parliament and is accountable to Parliament. No separate authority. “Fused”
powers of legislature and the executive.

Presidential Government – president has separate authority to that of the legislature.

The president is accountable to the people, not the legislature.

Separation of Powers - a constitutional principle that the three branches (legislative,

executive & judiciary) should have separate membership, separate powers and be able
to control each other’s powers. E.g. The United States.

Parliamentary Sovereignty – parliament is the source of all political power (no

individuals), Parliament may delegate powers and take it back as it wishes, Parliament
can pass any law it wants to, and old laws can be amended or repealed. Laws cannot
be entrenched.

Erosion of Parliamentary Sovereignty - 1. EU law is superior to parliamentary

laws. 2. Increase in executive power showing a transfer in political (not legal)
sovereignty. 3. Referendum – sovereignty with the people 4. Devolution in Scotland
and Wales.

Structure of Parliament - House of Commons, House of Lords & the monarch.

Monarch has no real influence, Very rarely are the chambers full except for big
decisions, e.g. 2003 in Iraq.

Committees - relevant minister for issue with other MPs from opposing parties.
Propose amendments to legislature. Government members hold majority of seats on
each committee. House of Commons hold power over the House of Lords.

Select Committees – 11 members, neutral, investigate efficiency & effectiveness of

government, consider relevance of policies, effectiveness of legislation, matters of
public concern, serious errors, propose future legislation (rare)
e.g. Home Affairs Committee – 2006 Detention of Terrorist suspects without trial –
90 day detention was rejected and a proposed 28 was accepted by the House of
Commons.

The Functions of Parliament:

Legitimisation – makes legislation legitimate, carries authority
Scrutiny - proposes amendments, general consideration, prevent discrimination
Opposition – forces government to justify decisions, exposes weaknesses
Accountability - government has to justify itself, comes under criticism, presentation
of alternatives, an election holds you accountable to the people.

Individual Ministerial Responsibility – minister is responsible for everything that

goes on in their department as well as their own conduct. Have to resign if anything
goes badly wrong.
Questions to ministers – expected to regularly appear in parliament and face
criticism.

Legislation debates –every piece of legislation must be debated at least twice and
justified.

Financial Control – usually granted regardless of demands (unless excessive) in

order to allow government to function.

Representation – MPs represent their party; represent their constituency, the national
interest, outsider groups, and sponsors

Redress of Grievances – citizen complains to an MP who tells the Minister in charge

Private member’s legislation – lucky MPs who win a ballot can put forward a
legislation of their choice. E.g. Abortion Act of 1967

Deliberation – National debate on a big issue

Reserve Powers - vote down government legislation, vote of no confidence. E.g.

Labour was voted out in 1979 by an organised “vote of no confidence” by Thatcher.

Specific Lord’s Powers – 1) Power of Delay – any law can be delayed in its p assign
for up to a year. 2) Amendments – these can be proposed to government if they want
their law to be passed quickly.

Agencies Supporting Government:

1) Parliamentary Ombudsman - investigates complaints
2) The Comptroller and Auditor general - makes sure government revenue is
correctly spent and checks effectiveness of expenditure
3) National Audit Office – checks government efficiency
4) Audit Commission – investigates local government’s policy’s best value.

House of Commons Strengths:

1) Ultimate power to remove government from office
2) MPs can veto legislation
3) Force amendments
4) Hold ministers to account in debate or select committees
5) Every constituency is represented by its own MP
6) Interest groups also represented by MPs

House of Commons Weaknesses:

1) Governments with strong majorities can dominate MPs
2) Committees are dominated by party whips
3) Insufficient time to hold gov. to account and ministers skilled at avoiding
questioning
4) MPs have a limited role in developing legislation
5) Commons is not socially representative of the UK
6) Parliament is ignored by government, advice is gained from groups & public
House of Lords strengths:
1) More independent member not controlled by party
2) Peers provide expertise and different viewpoints
3) Force government compromise with delay
4) More time to debate and scrutinise

House of Lords weaknesses:

1) Lords lacks legitimacy
2) Limited power, can’t effect finances or legislation
3) Amendments can be overturned by Commons
4) Still need more time to hold gov. to account

Arguments for a fully elected second chamber:

1) More Democratic
2) Eliminates corruption
3) Balances against government power
4) Proportional system allows smaller parties to be represented

Arguments against a fully elected second chamber:

1) May just mirror commons and hold little opposition
2) Too many elections looses voter interest
3) More powerful second chamber makes gov. less decisive

Arguments for a fully appointed second chamber:

1) Brings more people into political process
2) Controlled membership so everyone can be represented
3) More independence and less party influence

Arguments against a fully appointed Second chamber:

1) Corruption with too much power for those selecting members
2) Undemocratic and holds back progress towards a modern system
3) Lacks legitimacy and public support