Relationship between executive + Parliament

• Who coined the phrase ‘elective dictatorship’?

  Lord Hailsham
• What does ‘elective dictatorship’ imply about government power?

  Only a general election checks government power
• How can governments pass legislation despite small majorities?

  They can act as they wish without amendments
• What major constitutional change occurred in 2011?

  Introduction of fixed-term parliaments
• What is one argument for Parliament holding the executive to account?

  Parliament can defeat government legislation
• What significant event occurred regarding same-sex marriage in 2013?

  A free vote was offered in Parliament
• Why have the Lords increased their willingness to challenge government bills?

  Due to lack of single-party control
• What was the outcome of the proposed tax credit cuts in 2015?

  They were defeated in the Lords
• What role do select committees play in Parliament?

  They scrutinise government policy in depth
• What is the responsibility of the Public Accounts Committee?

  Overseeing government expenditures
• How does the PM justify government actions?

  By appearing before the Liaison Committee
• What impact can debates in Parliament have?

  They can raise issues' profiles and influence actions
• How many days are allocated for opposition parties to discuss issues?

  20 days
• What does the Backbench Business Committee allow?

  Debates not set by government
• What can the Commons do to remove the government?

  Vote of no confidence
• What trend has been observed in backbench rebellions in Parliament?

  More backbench rebellions have occurred
• What authority does Parliament now have regarding military action?

  It can authorise military action
• What is a rare occurrence in the Commons regarding government legislation?

  Defeats on government legislation are rare
• How did Tony Blair perform in votes during his first 8 years?

  He did not lose a vote
• What ensures the passage of most government bills?

  Party discipline and influence of whips
• What is the payroll vote made up of?

  Ministers and parliamentary private secretaries
• What does the Parliament Act allow the government to do?

  Push through blocked legislation
• What convention limits the Lords from blocking legislation?

  The Salisbury convention
• How can ministers influence select committee appearances?

  By blocking the appearance of witnesses
• What is the publicity level of the Backbench Business Committee's work?

  It receives little publicity
• What has not happened since 1979 regarding votes of no confidence?

  None have occurred
• What often causes ministerial resignations?

  Media pressure or external events
• Why are MPs reluctant to use votes of no confidence?

  It risks their own seats in elections
• What significant event led to Cameron's resignation?

  Vote to leave the EU in 2016
• What powers does the government have under secondary legislation?

  Change laws without Parliament's approval
• What is the European Union (EU)?

  A political and economic union of 28 states
• When was the European Coal and Steel Community established?

  In 1950
• What did the European Economic Community develop into?

  The European Union
• When was the EU established by the Treaty of Maastricht?

  In 1991
• What was the result of the Brexit referendum on June 23, 2016?

  52%-48% voted to leave
• What did Theresa May trigger in March 2017?

  Article 50 to notify withdrawal
• What can extend the negotiating time for withdrawal from the EU?

  Agreement from all parties involved
• When does the UK cease to be a member of the EU?

  In March 2019
• What factors suggest Parliament has become more significant recently?

  Consultation over military action and officer selection
• How has the executive responded to Parliament's increased significance?

  By increasing the payroll vote size