Evaluate how far Parliament retains sole
sovereignty within the UK political
system (30 MARKS)
INTRO - correct answer-- Sovereignty in the UK politics system is an important principle,
which establishes absolute power within parliament.
A.V Dicey defined it as the right to make or unmake any law whatever; and further, that no
person or body is recognised by the law of England as having a right to override or set aside
the legislation of Parliament.
Constitutionally Uk parliament holds all sovereignty, however It is clear that the most
convincing view is that p doesn't hold much sovereignty, due to sovereignty being divided
into different functions, especially after the 1997 Reforms.
PARA 1 AGAINST SOVEREIGNTY - Devolution - correct answer-LS has eroded through the
dispersal of power to devilled administrations creating a system of quasi-federalism in the
UK.
The devolved bodies have legislative power.
After referendums in 1997 Scotland (74% yes) and Wales (50% yes) have granted
Parliaments, and Scotland have now nearly gained 'devomax,' which have led to increased
called of Scottish Independence (despite the 2014 referendum)
PARA 1 FOR SOVREIGNTY - Devolution - correct answer-However Parliament has only
surrendered 2nd rate powers such as 'housing and health.' Core powers of defence, taxation
and foreign policy are still retained by Parliament.
- Parliament just recently blocked the Scottish Gender Bill
- These Powers could be revolved,
However, due to popularity of devolved assemblies it would not be revoked, and Parliament
shouldn't go against the will of the people.
PARA 2 AGAINST SOVEREIGNTY - The Executive - correct answer-There has been an
increased drift towards the government (in power) ' elective dictatorship,' Lord Halsham
Gov's with a Parliamentary majority means that they're able to get laws, and legal issues
through parliament easily
This is also added to by the Salisbury Convention - and also the 1911 and 1949 Parliament
Acts
Access points for pressure groups
PARA 2 FOR SOVEREIGNTY - The Executive - correct answer-However many governments
have had small parliamentary majorities e.g Cameron's 2010 government - 37% majority
Especially in recent years, governments with less majorities have struggles to push through
their own agendas
No confidence votes can limit their power
sovereignty within the UK political
system (30 MARKS)
INTRO - correct answer-- Sovereignty in the UK politics system is an important principle,
which establishes absolute power within parliament.
A.V Dicey defined it as the right to make or unmake any law whatever; and further, that no
person or body is recognised by the law of England as having a right to override or set aside
the legislation of Parliament.
Constitutionally Uk parliament holds all sovereignty, however It is clear that the most
convincing view is that p doesn't hold much sovereignty, due to sovereignty being divided
into different functions, especially after the 1997 Reforms.
PARA 1 AGAINST SOVEREIGNTY - Devolution - correct answer-LS has eroded through the
dispersal of power to devilled administrations creating a system of quasi-federalism in the
UK.
The devolved bodies have legislative power.
After referendums in 1997 Scotland (74% yes) and Wales (50% yes) have granted
Parliaments, and Scotland have now nearly gained 'devomax,' which have led to increased
called of Scottish Independence (despite the 2014 referendum)
PARA 1 FOR SOVREIGNTY - Devolution - correct answer-However Parliament has only
surrendered 2nd rate powers such as 'housing and health.' Core powers of defence, taxation
and foreign policy are still retained by Parliament.
- Parliament just recently blocked the Scottish Gender Bill
- These Powers could be revolved,
However, due to popularity of devolved assemblies it would not be revoked, and Parliament
shouldn't go against the will of the people.
PARA 2 AGAINST SOVEREIGNTY - The Executive - correct answer-There has been an
increased drift towards the government (in power) ' elective dictatorship,' Lord Halsham
Gov's with a Parliamentary majority means that they're able to get laws, and legal issues
through parliament easily
This is also added to by the Salisbury Convention - and also the 1911 and 1949 Parliament
Acts
Access points for pressure groups
PARA 2 FOR SOVEREIGNTY - The Executive - correct answer-However many governments
have had small parliamentary majorities e.g Cameron's 2010 government - 37% majority
Especially in recent years, governments with less majorities have struggles to push through
their own agendas
No confidence votes can limit their power
