The Relationship Between the Three Branches of Government

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Discuss, considering in particular Bogdanor’s argument that the separation of powers has been strengthened within the British Constitution in recent years. This essay aims to look at the Separation of Powers in the UK Constitution. The relationship between the three categories of public power-legislative, executive and the judicial. The overlaps that are present with the individuals operating in the various organs and their functions in the institutions. Reasons why the separation of powers is an important factor in the UK Constitution. Finally, the significance of changes made to the doctrine over the years. The legislature is made up of the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The legislative role involves; making laws and general rules that govern the powers of public authorities that maintain the structure and conduct of the ordinary citizen as well as private institutions. The Queen holds primary authority in parliament, however parliament does not directly make new legislation that is passed by executive bodies which receive their power from parliament. The executive carries out the general policy determined by cabinet. The public authorities role is to implement the law constructed by the legislative body, support social and economic welfare , maintain order and provide security, conducting public services for example; health, electricity. The judicial has the power to administer the law by settling disputed questions of fact and law while observing the law made by parliament and interpreting it court. This function is executed by professional independent judges whose roles are exercised in criminal and civil courts. Critiques argue whether or not a strict separation should be present in each of the above stated functi... ... middle of paper ... ...the 95 inbuilt votes of parliament. Fewer members of parliament will take up government posts and remain in the cabinet or Houses. Balanced and accountable separation supports the perception of the majority in the legislative body acting independently of the executive. The traditional Prime Minister whose powers of patronage include; control over government structure, chairing of cabinet meetings and being the public face of government creating media attention and expectation of his somewhat presidential control over ‘his’ government. Therefore playing the dictator that dominated the executive and legislature. Works Cited 1 Locke, Two treaties of Government (ed. Laslett), ch XII para 143 2 Montesquieu, The spirit of the Laws (ed. Cohler, Miller and Stone), book XI, ch 6. 3 Bogdanor: Devolution in the United Kingdom (Oxford; Oxford University Press 1999)

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