Parliament Overview

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  • Created by: Q_
  • Created on: 31-03-19 12:44
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  • PARLIAMENT OVERVIEW
    • The UK has a system of parliamentary government in which government takes place through parliament.
      • There is a fusion of powers, where the executive is the dominant actor - however its ability to control proceedings in parliament is affected by the size of its majority, the extent of party unity and the assertiveness of the House of Lords.
    • Parliament comprises the monarchy, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons. The House of Commons is the dominant chamber and consists of 650 MPs who are directly elected.
      • Almost all are members of a political party.
      • The House of Lords is a revising chamber and ca. delay legislation for a year. It is unelected, and since 1999, all but 92 hereditary peers have been removed with life peers making up the largest category of members.
        • The Judicial role for the House of Lords ended in 2009 (replaced by the Supreme Court).
    • Parliamentis the supreme legislative body in the UK, but it is a policy-influencingrather than policy-making institution.
      • Most successful bills originate from the government.
      • Party discipline and government control of the parliamentary timetable ensure that most government proposals are accepted by the Commons.
    • Parliament debates important issues, scrutinises government actions and holds it to account. Select committees carry out detailed examinations of the activities of government departments.
      • The government is not required to accept their recommendations.

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