Introduction
Although some claim that Parliament rarely influences policy and seldom defeats government legislation , it would seem unfair to altogether dismiss the increased forcefulness and resistance within the two houses. However, whilst Parliament has become increasingly assertive in terms of its scrutiny of government and legislation, in many ways this is not yet sufficient. I will seek to further explore this theory by considering the means in which Parliament has shown an increase in power and investigating whether these are sufficient in order to fulfil their role in scrutinising government.
War Powers
One area in which Parliament has seen advancement is that of prerogative powers. Such powers historically existed outside the ambit …show more content…
These regulatory figures often inhibit MPs from independent thought. Such a requirement to stay within the restrictions of their respective party can make it difficult to have as detailed and comprehensive debate as is seen in the Lords. Without this, alongside a necessity to show solidarity with the party, it is far more difficult to challenge the government effectively.
There is often also a consensus that MPs are predominantly concerned with their own career advancement. As they, unlike the Lords, have been voted in to the House, it is necessary that they keep their constituencies happy in order to keep their seats. This investment of time in personal gain may often stand in the way of constructive critique of government.
Composition and Reform of the House of …show more content…
It is true that committees are able to perform detailed investigations into the work of the government and provide feedback on their work. This critical role does make Parliament appear assertive. However this of course is only the case if the committees are effective.
Committees often lack weight, whilst they can provide criticisms of current issues and make recommendations for improvement they themselves cannot implement changes. The government are not bound by their suggestions making it difficult for Parliament to be forceful. The only way in which they can assert their conclusions is through well-argued reports. In many cases “committees produce excellent reports but still face an uphill struggle to overcome ministerial resistance” . This lack of influence is particularly evident when comparing the UK to other jurisdictions. The committees of US Congress for example are far more assertive in their
Although some claim that Parliament rarely influences policy and seldom defeats government legislation , it would seem unfair to altogether dismiss the increased forcefulness and resistance within the two houses. However, whilst Parliament has become increasingly assertive in terms of its scrutiny of government and legislation, in many ways this is not yet sufficient. I will seek to further explore this theory by considering the means in which Parliament has shown an increase in power and investigating whether these are sufficient in order to fulfil their role in scrutinising government.
War Powers
One area in which Parliament has seen advancement is that of prerogative powers. Such powers historically existed outside the ambit …show more content…
These regulatory figures often inhibit MPs from independent thought. Such a requirement to stay within the restrictions of their respective party can make it difficult to have as detailed and comprehensive debate as is seen in the Lords. Without this, alongside a necessity to show solidarity with the party, it is far more difficult to challenge the government effectively.
There is often also a consensus that MPs are predominantly concerned with their own career advancement. As they, unlike the Lords, have been voted in to the House, it is necessary that they keep their constituencies happy in order to keep their seats. This investment of time in personal gain may often stand in the way of constructive critique of government.
Composition and Reform of the House of …show more content…
It is true that committees are able to perform detailed investigations into the work of the government and provide feedback on their work. This critical role does make Parliament appear assertive. However this of course is only the case if the committees are effective.
Committees often lack weight, whilst they can provide criticisms of current issues and make recommendations for improvement they themselves cannot implement changes. The government are not bound by their suggestions making it difficult for Parliament to be forceful. The only way in which they can assert their conclusions is through well-argued reports. In many cases “committees produce excellent reports but still face an uphill struggle to overcome ministerial resistance” . This lack of influence is particularly evident when comparing the UK to other jurisdictions. The committees of US Congress for example are far more assertive in their