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To what extent and in what ways does Parliament still require major reform? - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 2 - 2017 - Paper 2
Question 2
To what extent and in what ways does Parliament still require major reform?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:To what extent and in what ways does Parliament still require major reform? - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 2 - 2017 - Paper 2
Step 1
To what extent does Parliament still require major reform?
Answer
Parliament still requires major reform to a significant extent due to various ongoing issues that affect its functionality and democratic representation. Critics argue that:
- Representation: Current electoral systems may not accurately reflect the demographic makeup of the UK population, suggesting a need for a reform that enhances representational accuracy.
- House of Lords: The lack of democratic credentials in the House of Lords highlights the necessity of reforming how members are appointed or elected.
- Party Control: Established party control reduces the flexibility and independence of Members of Parliament (MPs), which calls for changes in the influencing power of party whips within the Commons.
- Dominance of the Executive: The predominance of the executive branch, especially during parliamentary sessions where one party holds a strong majority, pressures legislative independence and necessitates reform to ensure parliamentary authority.
- Electoral Reforms: The electoral system itself requires scrutiny and potential changes to improve representation integrity.
- Recall Power Reform: The power of recall for MPs has not significantly evolved and needs further discussion to improve accountability.
Step 2
In what ways does Parliament still require major reform?
Answer
There are several ways in which Parliament requires reform:
- Accurate Representation in Commons: A more representative system could possibly involve proportional representation to address discrepancies in vote share versus seats.
- Democratizing the House of Lords: Transitioning to an elected House of Lords could better reflect public will and accountability.
- Reducing Party Control: Reassessing the power dynamics between parties and individual MPs could empower them to act more independently.
- Strengthening Parliamentary Independence: Enhancing the roles and influence of committees in scrutinizing the executive's actions could restore balance.
- Reforming Elections Procedures: Modernizing election processes including voting technology and transparency can enhance public trust and participation.
- Power of Recall: Implementing systemic changes for the power of recall may enhance accountability, allowing constituents to hold their MPs responsible between elections securely.
Step 3
Those who argue that Parliament does not require further reform cite the following:
Answer
- House of Lords Reform: Many believe that the House of Lords has undergone substantial reforms post-1999, functioning effectively now.
- Improvements in the Commons: The Commons has benefitted from reforms including the introduction of a more efficient committee system and the up-take on Wright proposals which enhanced legislative scrutiny.
- Increased Autonomy of Backbench MPs: There is a notable increase in the autonomy of backbench MPs, allowing them more influence over parliamentary agenda, which indicates a positive shift toward individual accountability.
- Government Accountability: The frequency of government accountability sessions has increased, showcasing a better mechanism for addressing governmental actions.
- Coalition Governance: Having experienced coalition governments encourages compromise, enhancing the legitimacy of parliamentary governance. Overall, these developments suggest that Parliament is working more effectively than in its previous administrations.