Photo AI
Using the source, evaluate the view that Parliament is largely ineffective in shaping government legislation - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 1 - 2022 - Paper 2
Question 1
Using the source, evaluate the view that Parliament is largely ineffective in shaping government legislation. In your response you must: - compare and contrast diff... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Using the source, evaluate the view that Parliament is largely ineffective in shaping government legislation - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 1 - 2022 - Paper 2
Step 1
Points from the source for the view
Answer
The source indicates that government bills face significant challenges in the Commons if the government cannot maintain the support of its backbenchers. This is evident as the government shapes proposed legislation to win support, highlighting the influence of political dynamics over legislative outcomes. Furthermore, it mentions that public bill committees, which are vital for scrutinizing legislation, often lack member input from non-governmental parliamentarians, diminishing the representational aspect necessary for effective legislation. This implies that only government-proposed amendments see success, showing a clear limitation on Parliament's role.
Step 2
Points from the source against the view
Answer
The source also suggests that the House of Lords provides a more extensive environment for scrutiny, allowing for more detailed examination of proposed bills. This can be seen as a counterargument, suggesting that despite the challenges in the Commons, alternative avenues for legislative amendment exist. Additionally, the source mentions that while government bills are rarely defeated, this does not necessarily indicate ineffectiveness; rather, it may demonstrate a strong majority support system that enables the government to push necessary legislation through.
Step 3
Examine and evaluate the views
Answer
Thus, while there are strong arguments presented in favor of the incompetence of Parliament in shaping legislation via the Commons due to the majority government's influence, the existence of the House of Lords and its critical role in amending bills highlights a more nuanced picture. Parliament, through both Houses, engages with and shapes legislation, although the method and efficiency may vary based on the political context. Ultimately, it can be argued that Parliament plays a crucial role, albeit with complexities that affect its perceived effectiveness.