My Revision Notes: Edexcel AS/A-level Politics: UK Government and Politics
An in-depth 20-page document discussing the nature, features, functions, conventions, reforms break downs of Parliament (House of Commons, House of Lords, Select Committees) - all with advantages, disadvantages or limitations and examples to ensure that you can get the best possible grade. There ar...
A Level Government and Politics (Pearson/Edexcel)
Component 2, Chapter 2: Parliament
Nature of Parliament
Government
• Prime Minister + cabinet
• Executive
Parliament
• House of Commons, House of Lords and monarch
• Legislative
Westminster system = fusion of powers
Features of Parliament
• Speaker
o House of Commons - John Bercow
o House Of Lords - Lord Fowler
o Only can vote when Parliament is in deadlock
o Has to stick to the status quo
o Makes sure one person does not dominate the discussion
o Sets an agenda
o Not politically biased
• Whips
o Exist in both HofC and HofL
o Makes sure MPs vote in the way the leader wants them to.
o Act as 'tellers' - counting votes in divisions
o Pairing system
• If someone is not in Parliament, their counterpart is also removed
o 'Three-line whip'
• Most important
• Decided by the number of lines
• If you defy a three-line whip - can be expelled from your party
o Small majorities
• Whips are the most important
Advantages and disadvantages of the fusion of power
Advantage
• The Westminster system allows for an accountable government that – with
control of the primary legislative chamber and no rival elected body to
challenge it.
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