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Explain the meaning and significance of the mandate. - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 3
Explain the meaning and significance of the mandate.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain the meaning and significance of the mandate. - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain the meaning of the mandate
Answer
A mandate is a permission granted to a government or political party to act on behalf of the electorate, often following an election. This concept is closely related to the practice of representative democracy. It can be seen in two main ways:
- Permission to Govern: After an election, the winning party is considered to have been given a mandate, which allows them to implement their proposed policies as outlined in their manifesto.
- Doctor's Mandate: Some view the mandate as a broader authority—akin to a 'doctor's mandate'—which gives the government the right to take necessary actions beyond those explicitly laid out, depending on the changing circumstances.
Step 2
Explain the significance of the mandate
Answer
The significance of the mandate can be expressed in several ways:
- Legitimacy and Accountability: A mandate grants legitimacy to a government’s actions by demonstrating they are based on the voters' will. If a government does not fulfill its promises, it risks losing credibility.
- Parliamentary Dynamics: Under the principle of Salisbury Convention, the House of Lords typically will not contest legislation from the governing party’s manifesto, thereby recognizing the mandate's authority.
- Variance in Public Support: Depending on the scale of the winning party's popular vote, the mandate's significance may vary. A substantial majority reinforces their mandate, while a smaller majority may leave room for doubt.
- Debate on Ownership: There exists contention over whether the mandate belongs to the party or the individual Prime Minister, especially in coalition or minority governments, influencing how policies are pursued.
- Evolution Over Time: A mandate's significance can change, as events or circumstances may alter previously assured policy stances, leading to a potential lack of accountability for deviations from the original manifesto commitments.