relationship between executive and parliament

• Who comprises the executive in the UK?

  Prime Minister and Cabinet
• How does the relationship between the executive and Parliament manifest?

  It is dynamic, sometimes collaborative, often tense
• What concern arises from a strong executive dominating Parliament?

  It leads to an "elective dictatorship"
• What period saw strong PMs with large majorities controlling the executive?

  1980s to 2000s
• What recent changes have affected the power dynamics between the executive and Parliament?

  Smaller majorities and divided parties
• What is the key tension in the relationship between Parliament and the government?

  Parliament's sovereignty vs. government's mandate
• What tools does Parliament have to hold the government accountable?

  Vetoing policies and amending legislation
• What are some scrutiny mechanisms used by Parliament?

  PMQs, Ministerial Questions, Select Committees
• What can Parliament do to remove the government?

  Vote of no confidence
• How did Parliament challenge Brexit policy between 2017 and 2019?

  Seized control of the agenda and forced disclosures
• What do the Parliament Acts of 1911 and 1949 limit regarding the House of Lords?

  Blocking money bills and delaying legislation
• What is the Salisbury Convention regarding the House of Lords?

  Lords won't block manifesto commitments
• How has the removal of hereditary peers affected the House of Lords?

  Reduced partisan control in the Lords
• What role does the Backbench Business Committee play in Parliament?

  Lets MPs set the parliamentary agenda
• What has increased the accountability of select committee chairs and members?

  Election of chairs and members
• How does the Liaison Committee enhance scrutiny of the PM?

  Increased role in parliamentary oversight
• When can Parliament effectively check the executive?

  When the government lacks a majority
• What factors contribute to a strong executive?

  Large majority and ideological unity
• What tools does the executive use to influence Parliament?

  Patronage and party whips
• How can public platforms be used by the PM?

  To rally public support and pressure MPs
• What can happen if a PM overuses their tools of influence?

  It can backfire and weaken their position
• What shapes the balance of power between the executive and Parliament?

  Political context, electoral outcomes, and public perception
• What remains formidable despite reforms enhancing Parliament's power?

  Executive power with a compliant majority
• What ongoing tension exists in the UK political system?

  Between democratic mandate and parliamentary sovereignty