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Parliament has had little success in holding the government to account - Scottish Highers Modern Studies - Question b - 2019
Question b
Parliament has had little success in holding the government to account. Discuss. You should refer to Scotland or the United Kingdom or both in your answer.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Parliament has had little success in holding the government to account - Scottish Highers Modern Studies - Question b - 2019
Step 1
Evaluate the Role of Parliament in Accountability
Answer
Parliament's role in holding the government to account is multifaceted. It primarily involves overseeing government actions, scrutinizing legislation, and ensuring representatives are answerable to the public. However, factors such as party majority, lack of opposition cooperation, and the Speaker's influence can hinder these efforts.
In the UK, for example, government dominance can reduce the effectiveness of checks and balances, particularly during Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs).
Step 2
Considerations in the Scottish Context
Answer
In Scotland, the Scottish Parliament has specific mechanisms to hold the Scottish Government accountable, such as parliamentary committees and sessions similar to PMQs. However, there are criticisms regarding limited powers and the extent to which these mechanisms effectively check executive power.
Step 3
Step 4
Discuss the Impact of Recent Political Events
Answer
Recent political climates, particularly in the UK, present challenges to parliamentary accountability. Events such as Brexit and shifts in party leadership have altered traditional power dynamics, often sidelining thorough scrutiny and debate.
Step 5
Conclusion and Overall Assessment
Answer
In conclusion, while Parliament aims to hold the government to account, various obstacles limit its success. Factors including party dominance, public engagement, and recent political upheavals highlight the complexities of this relationship in both Scotland and the UK.