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Evaluate the view that since 2010 the executive has dominated Parliament - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 2
Question 2
Evaluate the view that since 2010 the executive has dominated Parliament. In your answer you should draw on relevant knowledge and understanding of the study of Com... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Evaluate the view that since 2010 the executive has dominated Parliament - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 2
Step 1
Points in Agreement
Answer
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Structural Nature of UK Constitution: The UK constitution has traditionally granted significant powers to the executive. This has allowed the government to exert control over Parliament, particularly in times of crisis or when facing opposition.
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Devolution and Power Transfer: Since 2010, both Scotland and Wales have gained additional powers, which arguably reflects a shift in how power is distributed but still positions the UK government in a dominant role over key legislation affecting these regions.
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Lack of Effective Checks: The fusion of powers between the executive and legislature means that the executive can bypass Parliament in certain circumstances, diluting parliamentary authority.
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Legislation and Control: The government’s ability to pass legislation with limited opposition, particularly during periods of majority rule, illustrates the executive's dominance over Parliament.
Step 2
Points in Disagreement
Answer
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Increased Parliamentary Assertiveness: Since the election in 2010, Parliament has shown a greater willingness to challenge the executive, especially during key votes related to Brexit and other contentious issues.
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Coalition and Minority Governments: The experience during the coalition government (2010-2015) and subsequent minority governments (2015-2019) has seen MPs acting as backbenchers become more vocal in challenging executive decisions. This indicates a shift towards parliamentary assertiveness.
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Division within Government: Internal divisions within the Conservative Party under Boris Johnson have led to challenges in maintaining a unified front, showcasing how Parliament can exert control over executive actions through scrutiny and debate.
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Committee Structures: The parliamentary committee system has become more effective in holding the executive accountable. Independent scrutiny has been provided, highlighting the role of Parliament in governance and reducing the executive’s unchallenged power.