UK questions

Created by

Jada

Cards (48)

(25) “FPTP should be scrapped” 1/3
P1- constituency link
p: single member constituencies, strong representation
c: theories of representation (mandate) + devolution and local authorities
e: constituency link is less important
(25) “FPTP should be scrapped” 2/3
P2- governing majorities
p: clear majority less coalitions + shuts out extremists
c: winner’s bonus, contributes to elective dictatorship + little scrutiny, + FPTP splitting the vote pushes big parties policies
e: coalitions still occur + there should be more scrutiny
(25) “FPTP should be scrapped" 3/3
P3- participation
p: clear and understandable system + comparisons
c: wasted votes, focus on marginal seats, unrepresentative results, two party dominance
e: can be better education, FPTP discourages participation
(25) “The criticisms against the use of referendums in the UK are unfounded” 1/3
P1- participation + political education
p: enhanced participation and education on a topic, indyref
c: low turnout in the case of AV, wording can be manipulated and regulations skirted (brexit)
e: generals and locals also have low turnout (sometimes lowers than refs), manipulation also occurs in elections
(25) “The criticisms against the use of referendums in the UK are unfounded” 2/3
P2- legitimation for constitutional change
p: devolution, creating increased representation
c: tyranny of the majority undermines devolved authority, doesn’t settle debates
e: constitutional matters are reserved matters, somewhat counters elective dictatorship, gives convention
(25) “The criticisms against the use of referendums in the UK are unfounded” 3/3
P3- clashes with representative democracy + parliamentary sovereignty
p: brexit process + clashing theories of representation, simplifies complex processes
c: referendums occur through Common’s votes and political pacts within parliament
e: these political crises stem from failings in the representative system not referendums as there’s no rule book for when to call referendums
(9) “Explain and analyse three post-1997 constitutional changes”
Devolution
HoL reform
Supreme Court
(9) “Explain and analyse three principles of the British constitution”
Parliamentary Sovereignty
Uncodified
Rule of Law
(9) “Explain and analyse three sources of the British constitution”
Statute Law
Convention
Common Law
(9) “Explain and analyse three ways collective and individual rights conflict”
Actions of companies
Threat of terrorism
Recent strike and protest laws
(9) “Explain and analyse three arguments for a codified constitution”
Greater Transparency
Greater protection of rights
Settled devolution
(9) “Explain and analyse three theories of representation”
Burkean
Delegate
Mandate
(9) “Explain and analyse three stages in the legislative process”
First reading
Committee stage
Ping pong between houses
(9) “Explain and analyse three parliament scrutinises the executive”
Select committees
Opposition days
PMQs
(9) “Explain and analyse three ways the House of Lords are effective”
Experts (Baron Bird and homelessness, Lord Winston, science)
Less political polarisation
Focus on scrutiny
(9) “Explain and analyse three ways the Opposition are effective”
Pose as an alternative government
Opposition Days
Popularity and relations with the media
(9) “Explain and analyse three ways backbenchers influence the government”
Backbench rebellions
PMBs
Select committees
(9) “Explain and analyse three ways circumstances that allow pmbs to be successful”
Government is supportive (1967 Abortion Act, Liberal MP)
The bill is uncontroversial (1996 Dogs Act, dog poo, david amess)
Parliamentary arithmetic allows it to be (Cooper-Letwin and Benn Acts)
(9) “Explain and analyse three prerogative powers of the prime minister”
Patronage
Proroguing parliament
Sending out armed forces
(9) “Explain and analyse three factors influencing how a prime minister selects their cabinet”
Popularity with the public (Gordon Brown)
Representing factions of the party (May + Thatcher cabinet)
Experience in government (Gove + Hunt)
(9) “Explain and analyse three constraints on the power of the prime minister”
Supreme Court
Opposition
Backbenchers
(9) “Explain and analyse three circumstances in which ministers resign”
Personal conduct
Breaking collective responsibility
Failure of themselves or department
(9) “Explain and analyse three influences on how policy is made”
Political deals
Social pressure
Manifesto pledges and personal convictions
(9) “Explain and analyse three ways a Prime Minister is appointed”
Winning an election
Leader of largest party
Coalition leader
(25) “Ministers resign most due to personal conduct”
Confidence in government
Political pressure against them tainting the government
Genuine breaches of ministerial code
(25) “The UK Prime Minister has little opportunity to dictate policy”
Manifesto pledges
Appeasing the party
Public backlash
Size of mandate
(9) “Explain and analyse three ways in which ultra vires and judicial review are significant”
Stops the government from avoiding scrutiny
Protects citizen’s rights
Manages disputes between devolved bodies
(25) “The UK judiciary has become more politicised”
Brexit
Devolution
Rights
(9) “Explain and analyse three benefits of devolution”
Cultural representation of regions
Allows local political issues to be addressed
Appeases nationalist tendencies
(9) “Explain and analyse three impacts of devolution on the UK political system”
Quasi federal system (different laws)
Clashes with parliamentary sovereignty
Different electoral systems and different parties (less of a two party system)
(9) “Explain and analyse three devolution laws passed” 
1998 devolution referendums + laws
2000 Local Government Act
2016 Scotland Act (devo-max)
(25) “The case for an English parliament is overwhelming”
P1- Solve asymmetric devolution
p: settles the West Lothian question
c: lack of importance with repeal of EVEL, isolate the union, undermine parliamentary sovereignty
(25) “The case for an English parliament is overwhelming” 2/3 
P2- Cultural representation
p: rising English nationalism
c: cultural identity split in England (comparison with other nationalist parties), devolution to cities can solve this
(25) “The case for an English parliament is overwhelming” 3/3 
P3- Increased participation
p: greater chance for participation that is not London centric, address regional concerns
c: argument over location, voter fatigue, expensive civil service, lack of enthusiasm
(9) “Explain and analyse three ways collective and individual rights conflict”
Actions of companies
Threat of terrorism
Recent strike and protest laws
(9) “Explain and analyse three ways select committees are effective”
Independence from executive
Direct questioning of ministers
Expertise
(25) "there should be state funding of political parties" 1/2
AGAINST
Might separate the party from the groups they seek to represent (eg, Labour and trade unions)
Might have to fund extremist groups
Could entrench two party dominance if its per votes in last election
Removes competition and pluralism
parties to dependent on the state, stifle active recruitment
(25) "there should be state funding of political parties" 2/2
2007 Philips Report proposed funding per voter or member
Reduce reliance on wealthy donors and interest groups
Politicians to focus on voters over courting wealthy donors
Smaller parties have guaranteed funding, levelling the playing field
would encourage campaigning in more seats other than just marginal seats
easier to limit spending
(9) “Explain and analyse three criticisms of the composition of the judiciary”
Largely male and all white
Oxbridge education
Appointments via Law Society are out of public sight
(9) “Explain and analyse three divisions within the Labour Party”
Corbynites/ hard-left (Jeremy Corbyn, John McDonnell, Zarah Sultana)
Soft-left (Angela Rayner, New Deal For Working People)
Blairites/ third-way (Tony Blair, Rachel Reeves, Keir Starmer)