British Parliamentary Democracy

Representative democracy in the UK is often described as parliamentary democracy. This is because Parliament dominates the political system and because representation occurs traditionally through Parliament. Parliament stands at the centre of national politics in Britain. It is Parliament that gives government legitimacy, alongside elections. However, there is now widespread disillusionment with representative institutions. Part membership has declined dramatically, turnout at elections has fallen and there is partisan dealignment.

1. Parliament is the source of all political authority (Parliamentary Sovereignty). It is effectively not possible to exercise power without the sanction of Parliament.

2. The government has to be drawn from Parliament. This ensures that members of the government can be made directly accountable to Parliament.

3. Government must make itself constantly accountable to Parliament and submits all proposals to Parliament for approval - excluding some foreign treaties and intelligence services. Ministers must report regularly to Parliament on the progress of policies and the results of governmental actions.

4. All citizens are represented by MPs. This means that their views should be taken into account and taken up by MPs for possible redress. It also means that the interests of every constituency in teh UK are represented by an MP in the House of Commons. It is a key part of the democratic system that each individual feels that there is an elected representative who will listen to their problems and injustices and try to resolve them.

5. Parliament is normally the guardian of the government's electoral mandate. Parliament has the…