British Parliament
explanatory Essay
944 words
British Parliament Many of the political observers consider functions of the British Parliament as a constantly changing in accordance with public demands and political ambitions. In the 11th century for example when Parliament has had its origins, its main function was giving an advice to Saxon monarchs by assembly of the wise called "Witangemot". Further historical events like Civil War enforced power of the Parliament. Commons magnified its power; William of Orange granted the throne accepted Bill of Rights which limited royal prerogative. This was the end of the monarchs claim to absolute power and acceptance of parliamentary government. Parliament carries out a wide range of highly significant functions. First function is a legitimating. The executive chosen from the Commons, having a support of majority of MP's nearly elects itself. Current political situation is an applicable example, where Labour Party consisting of 416 MP's has a power to force almost any Bill. This does not stop supporters of the government to maintain the scrutiny process, the second and equally important function. Government expenditure, policy proposals and executive actions are all subject to examination by Parliament. Another function is legislation. "Much of this is a ritual, since the Governing majority in the House of Commons nearly always has its way" (Neil McNaughton in "Success in Politics"). Even if pro... ... middle of paper ... ...best interest of the public. An effective political organization should be up to date with current political affairs from all round the world and what is more important; should answer to current needs of the public and be able to protect the country in any circumstances. Strong leadership is one of the most significant attributes of effective political organization. Lack of it could be observed during government under John Major. After 1992 elections he was in parliamentary minority. Division over Europe attracted press criticism which eventually damaged his government. This leaves one conclusion; lack of decisive style of leadership leads to failure (class video 2004). Bibliography: Neil McNaughton (2001) Success in Politics 2nd edition, Murray David Roberts (2000) British Politics in Focus, Causeway Press
In this essay, the author
- Opines that many political observers consider the british parliament's functions to be important.
- Explains that parliament is constantly changing in accordance with public demands and political ambitions. its main function was giving an advice to saxon monarchs by assembly of the wise called "witangemot".
- Explains that the limited royal prerogative was the end of the monarchs claim to absolute power and acceptance of parliamentary government. parliament carries out a wide range of highly significant functions.
- Explains that the party consisting of 416 mp's has a power to force almost any bill. this does not stop supporters of the government to maintain the scrutiny process, the second and equally important function.
- Explains that the process of legislation is a formality in order for law to become legislative must be approved in both houses. making government accountable is one of parliament's primary functions.
- Explains that an mp may be elected on a party platform, represents geographical area in the uk, and parliament is engaged in recruitment of government ministers.
- Explains that the government can recruit from outside of parliament or from the house of lords. career politicians may use their backbench position as a springboard for future promotions to office.
- Explains that the upper house whips can only use power of persuasion on its members, while the house of commons may use threat to keep mps in line.
- Explains that the majority of mps would consider themselves to be the voice of the people because they have been elected democratically. they see the house of lords as being out of touch with the electorate's wishes.
- Opines that the government's intensions to reform the house of lords, eliminate hereditary peers, and have a second elected chamber has not helped relations between the house of commons and the predominately
- Explains that the parliament act gives the house of commons a root to by pass the house of lords completely.
- Explains that forcing commons to reconsider its proposals can lead to double work, costs increase, and lack of authority. the upper house consists a large amount of experts.
- Explains that parliament's effectiveness can be judged in accordance with functions it performs. it represents voice of the public and is responsible for millions of citizens.
- Explains that every law affects the public, which is why parliament has to fulfil its duties perfectly so the new law could be faultless.
- Opines that effective political organization is necessary to ensure that political changes will only improve economic situation of the countries.
- Opines that an effective political organization should be up-to-date with current political affairs from all around the world and answer to current needs of the public. strong leadership is a key attribute.
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- Opines that the united states' constitution is one of the most important documents in american history, as it serves as the nexus of what this government should do and how it should preserve the ethical framework of said government.
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- Opines that the two party system of the united kingdom is not universally accepted and that it can best be described as a multi-party, dominant party.
- Explains that britain is a two-party system, which is confirmed by the period 1945-79, when power alternated frequently between the labour and conservative parties.
- Opines that it is important to consider the period of time looked when attempting to identify which system best describes britain's.
- Explains that conservative victories between 1979-97 make this proposition seem less credible. another flaw in the two party concept arises when parties which have not had a sufficient majority to have real parliamentary power have been assisted by smaller third parties to remain in government.
- Argues that the uk does not have a true two-party system. conservatives have held power for 58 years between 1918 and the present day.
- Argues that conservative dominance was not entirely down to their own superiority but due to a number of factors including the workings of the simple majority voting system employed in the uk.
- Explains that conservatives have only won over 50% of the vote on two occasions, which is low for a party that is supposed to have dominated politics in this country.
- Explains that the liberal democrat party fares particularly well in local and by-elections and all other elections since the 1974 general election.
- Argues that britain is a multi-party system based on the area of uk politics and democracy taken into consideration.
- Explains that the introduction of devolution by the labour party since 1997 has regionalised democracy even further and has resulted in the emergence of small nationalist parties.
- Argues that the uk can be classed as possessing the qualities of a multi-party system, but at national level, this idea seems implausible as seats are shared by only two or perhaps three parties.
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In this essay, the author
- Explains that the second is a free vote, where mps are allowed to make up their minds.
- Explains that the house of commons is a lawmaker in the true sense of the word.
- Opines that it is vital that the bill is as close as possible to being approved.
- Opines that if they debate these bills, they are left. it is not the place of the debate.
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In this essay, the author
- Explains that the idea of parliamentary sovereignty is that parliament (or strictly, the queen in parliament) can make or unmake any law on any subject without any legal restriction.
- Explains that international treaties such as the european convention on human rights may also have put some limits on its freedom to legislate. however, the powers of parliament are undoubtedly considerable.
- Explains that parliament can alter its composition and powers, as it did by the parliament act 1911 and the life peerages act 1958.
- Explains that the continental shelf act 1964 asserted british jurisdiction over the sea bed well beyond the limits of the territorial sea, and the war crimes act 1991 made it an offence triable in an english court for a foreign national to commit murder or other war crimes
- Explains that the government initiates most legislation, though the many influences and pressures for legislation are discussed in a later chapter.
- Explains that an act of parliament always starts life as a bill. most bills are public bills intended to apply to all people in any part of the country.
- Explains that even the abortive wild mammals (hunting with dogs) and sexual offences (amendment) bill were public bills that created generally applicable law. the first reading of a bill is purely formal and normally takes place without debate.
- Explains that the mp proposing the bill can make a short speech saying why he/she feels the legislation is needed and drawing the matter to public attention.
- Explains that second reading follows a discussion of general principles of the bill. in recent years, some uncontroversial bills (e.g.
- Explains that the house accepts the committee's report and passes a second reading motion without formal debate. the committee stage is taken "upstairs" in the commons, or as the "committee of the whole house."
- Explains that the bill's opponents, seeking to emasculate or destroy it, propose some amendments but many are technical improvements and clarifications proposed by the government itself.
- Explains that if the second house makes any amendments, either in committee or on report, the amended bill must be returned to the first house for further passage.
- Explains that the lords do not normally insist on amendments which the commons reject, especially on matters of government policy.
- Explains that the lords refused to accept the government's preferred "party list" system, and the european parliamentary elections bill went to and fro almost a dozen times before the end of the parliamentary session.
- Explains that the royal assent has never been refused to any bill passed by both houses since 1704.
- Opines that the greatest limitations on parliamentary sovereignty arise from membership of the european union. there is room for debate as to whether this is a good or bad thing.
- Explains that parliamentary sovereignty has been curtailed. there is now an external body (or bodies, perhaps) competent to make laws affecting the united kingdom.
- Explains that the decision was made within the commission's powers to protect health, and was not disproportionate to the aim. the united kingdom is obliged to legislate to implement obligations arising from eu membership.
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- Explains that the sex discrimination act 1975 extends the scope of the act to cover discrimination against transsexuals.
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- Explains that the protection (consolidation) act 1978, dealing with redundancy conditions for part-time workers, was indirectly discriminatory and therefore incompatible with european law.
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- Explains how r (h) v mental health review tribunal reversal of the burden of proof was a violation of h's right to liberty.
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In this essay, the author
- Explains that the british public's view on the monarchy has changed tremendously over the past two centuries, citing the great reform bill of 1832, growing political parties, and the actions of the royal family.
- Explains how william iv became king of britian in 1830, limiting the monarchy's political power. he signed the great reform bill of 1832, and the party leaders became more defined.
- Explains how victoria's family led the public to dislike the monarchy. after her husband, prince albert, passed away, victoria went into mourning and hardly went out in public. her first son albert dropped out of school twice and became quite the playboy.
- Illustrates how victoria's limited influence proved there was a need for the monarchy. she resolved the debates over the irish church disestablishment act and the third reform bill
- Explains that victoria became the first monarchy to use trains and travel around for events. she became popular with the public and had the golden and diamond jubilees to celebrate her accession.
- Explains that the political roles of the monarchy are somewhat the same as the previous monarchs, but she must act with the advice of ministers.
- Opines that the monarchy is important to the united kingdom despite the loss of political roles.
- Believes the united kingdom has yet to overthrow the monarchy because they don't know what will happen afterward. the queen is too far into the country's hearts to throw her out.
- Explains that since 1832, the monarchy's political roles have greatly decreased, and technology has blossomed.
773 wordsRead More - Congressopinion essayThere is a definite need for Congress in the United States. It serves many roles such as making laws, implementing national policy and watching over the other two branches of government. These are just a few of the duties of our U.S. Congress. Although they are essential to our government, there are potential problems.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that all our laws are not perfect but for the most part our congress does a good job.
- Describes the steps involved in getting a law passed.
- Opines that it takes time to get the policy going so congress must be able to detect it.
- Opines that all our laws are not perfect but for the most part our congress does a good job.
- Describes the steps involved in getting a law passed.
- Opines that it takes time to get the policy going so congress must be able to detect it.
- Describes the members of the congress, who are you and i?
- Opines that the company does a good job with the roles and duties it is given.
- Opines that vote lies in our hands. we have the power to vote for who we want to.
- Opines that we can make a difference if we get involved in electing those who share the same values.
1721 wordsRead More - The Effectiveness of the House of Commons as a Check on the Executive What is meant by the effectiveness of the commons check on the executive is basically, how able is the house of commons to prevent the Government (executive) from getting its own way or forcing its will upon the people of Britain. In theory the commons level of effectiveness is constant as each Member of Parliament has an opinion on every bill or motion that is put forward that is based on conscience. This is not practicable, however, as the party system and the party whips change this. The whips tell MPs which way to vote and can impose sanctions upon those MPs who rebel against the government.
In this essay, the author
- Explains the effectiveness of the house of commons as a check on the executive. the commons level of effectiveness is constant as each member of parliament has an opinion.
- Opines that the party system and party whips change this. they can impose sanctions on mps who rebel against the government.
- Analyzes how john major was limited in the power he could exercise as prime minister as the tory party was the biggest party by only twelve seats and could easily be outvoted if a policy was widely opposed.
- Opines that blair has survived the backbench rebellions against new labour by virtue of his huge parliamentary majority.
- Opines that blair will be forced to operate as if he were heading a minority government.
- Explains how the number of rebellions against the government’s anti-terrorism, crime and security bill has risen since the 2001 general election.
- Explains that backbenchers voted against the government's controversial proposal to introduce single faith schools. ninety-six labour mps opposed the introduction of top-up fees in universities in 2004.
- Explains that the largest rebellion saw one hundred and twenty one labour mps vote against war in iraq. blair’s huge majority has prevented his legislation being defeated and so the executive has still been getting its way.
- Explains that the opposition is able to question government policy and raise public awareness about issues in the commons.
- Opines that the recent performance of the conservative party could be forgiven for not realising this was the case. prime ministers questions are designed to check on the executive.
- Explains the idea of prime ministers questions, which is that the prime minister is exposed in public and can be examined by his peers, preventing him/her from simply allowing others to take decisions.
- Explains that prime ministers questions has been described as "yah-boo politics", politics at its basest level. the speaker of the house, himself/herself an mp, chairs the debate.
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- Explains that the committees are non-confrontational and put aside ideological differences to check on the executive. gwyneth dunwoody is a member of the departmental select committee for transport.
- Concludes that the effectiveness of the common's check on the executive is variable and dependent on certain conditions.
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In this essay, the author
- Compares the british parliamentary system with the american presidential system. they analyze the strengths and weaknesses of both systems with respect to promoting democracy to its respective societies.
- Explains the differences between the british parliamentary and american presidential systems in order to argue which system promotes democracy the most effectively.
- Analyzes the influence of money from big business for the reward of passing favorable legislation in american politics.
- Compares the american presidential system & british parliamentary system. both systems offer a unique form of power dispersion which ultimately influence the very nature of the system.
- Explains that the british parliamentary system maintains that there should be a concentration of powers in both the executive and legislative within the elective.
- Explains that the parliamentary system features a bicameral legislation which consists of the house of lords and the commons.
- Explains that the house of commons represents the very heart and soul of the british government with respect to the passage of legislation.
- Explains that british prime ministers are tasked with maintaining a harmonious government. if the parliament feels that their work and policy initiatives are not up to standard, they may vote to remove them from the respective position.
- Compares the presidential system with the executive, judiciary, and legislative, which is anchored by a separation of powers.
- Compares the british parliamentary system with the american presidential system. power is shared between the house of representatives and the senate, who work together to hammer out differences when attempting to pass legislation through congress.
- Explains that the presidential and parliamentary systems differ in their methods of election. the electoral college allows individuals in different states to vote for the president they prefer.
- Explains that the parliamentary system allows citizens to vote for officials, who if elected, will make up the cabinet. the prime minister serves as head of both executive and legislative branches.
- Compares the british parliamentary system and the american presidential system in terms of net benefits and negatives.
1380 wordsRead More - The Power of the Doctrine of Brititsh Parliament Sovereigntycomparative essayThe doctrine of parliament sovereignty has been identified as the core principle of the British’s uncodified constitution. This doctrine is mainly regarding the relationship of the Parliament and the courts. This doctrine states that Parliament has unlimited legal power to enact any law and that it cannot be overridden by any other body.
In this essay, the author
- Explains the doctrine of parliament sovereignty as the core principle of the british's uncodified constitution, which states that parliament has unlimited legal power to enact any law.
- Explains that the european union was created during the second world war. the european communities act, which incorporates community law into the uk's legal system, was enacted in 1972.
- Explains that the european communities act 1972 makes certain community law directly binding in the uk and is to be enacted either by statue or by regulation.
- Explains that the european convention on human rights 1950 (echr) is an international treaty that protects human rights and fundamental freedoms of individuals.
- Explains that the hra has restricted effect outside uk territory. the domestic court can make a "declaration of incompatibility" which invites the legislature to amend the law.
- Explains the ecj's view that domestic law cannot prevail over eu law and that it confers rights on individual which its effect is given by national law.
- Explains that parliament has not lost its sovereignty by being a member state of the eu as it can pass any law without any restriction. the sovereignty of parliament can be proven in the bill of rights 1689.
- Concludes that the uk, looking at their historical background, has given great importance to its sovereignty.
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