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To what extent do both Houses of Parliament fail to carry out their main functions? - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 2
Question 3
To what extent do both Houses of Parliament fail to carry out their main functions?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:To what extent do both Houses of Parliament fail to carry out their main functions? - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 2
Step 1
Assessing Legislative Functionality
Answer
The Houses of Parliament are responsible for passing legislation, which they do through a robust process involving both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. However, the effectiveness of this process can sometimes be undermined by political motivations, particularly when the government of the day holds a significant majority. The potential for the legislative agenda to be controlled by the ruling party raises questions about the actual scrutiny applied to proposed laws. This could lead to the perception that the legislative process lacks genuine debate on critical issues.
Step 2
Evaluation of Scrutiny and Accountability
Answer
Parliament's role in scrutinizing the government is seen as central to its functions. Yet, this role is frequently compromised by a lack of time, resources, and the growing influence of the media, which can sway public opinion and limit the depth of parliamentary inquiry. Many Members of Parliament (MPs) may not have the capacity to thoroughly investigate all matters presented to them, leading to inadequate scrutiny of the government’s actions.
Step 3
Representation Issues
Answer
While Parliament aims to represent various geographical areas of the UK, the House of Lords, in particular, may not adequately reflect the electorate. Critics argue that the composition of the Lords is not representative enough in terms of gender, ethnicity, and other social metrics. This limitation diminishes the perceived legitimacy of Parliament, thus failing to connect with the diverse views of the UK population.
Step 4
Recruitment for the Executive
Answer
Parliament serves as the sole body to recruit individuals for the executive. However, critics maintain that this process can be restrictive, as potential candidates may come from a limited pool, thereby possibly stifling innovation and talent. This lack of diversity in recruitment is a significant shortfall that affects the overall effectiveness of government performance and accountability.
Step 5
Legitimacy Conferred by Parliament
Answer
Parliament confers legitimacy to the government's actions, primarily through its approval process. However, this relationship can be problematic when Parliament is expected to endorse military actions or policy decisions that have not been broadly discussed. For example, there have been instances where governments moved forward with plans without parliamentary consent, undermining the principle of parliamentary sovereignty.