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To what extent and in what ways does Parliament still require major reform? - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 2 - 2017 - Paper 2
Question 2
To what extent and in what ways does Parliament still require major reform?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:To what extent and in what ways does Parliament still require major reform? - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 2 - 2017 - Paper 2
Step 1
To what extent does Parliament require major reform?
Answer
Parliament still requires major reform to a significant extent. Criticism arises mainly due to the lack of representative accuracy in reflecting the UK population's diversity. The House of Lords remains a point of contention, lacking democratic legitimacy, as its members are not elected. This calls for reform to create a more democratic body. Furthermore, party control within the House of Commons hinders genuine representation, necessitating a reduction in the influence of party whips.
Additionally, the dominance of the executive over Parliament persists, particularly when ruling parties command large majorities. This concentration of power limits parliamentary oversight and can undermine democratic processes. Lastly, electoral reforms are essential to ensure that elections are equitable and representative of the populace's will.
Step 2
In what ways does Parliament require major reform?
Answer
Several specific areas highlight the need for major reform in Parliament:
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House of Lords: Moving towards a fully elected second chamber could enhance legitimacy, thus mitigating criticism regarding its undemocratic nature.
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Party Control: Reducing the power of party whips in the House of Commons could empower MPs to represent their constituents more independently.
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Executive Dominance: Implementing mechanisms to strengthen the Parliament's role in scrutinizing the executive would help to balance power, ensuring accountability.
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Electoral Process: Introducing reforms to ensure fairer representation in elections, possibly through proportional representation, could address current disproportionalities in party representation.
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Power of Recall: Establishing a reliable mechanism for public recall can make MPs more accountable to their constituents, prompting them to prioritize public interest over party loyalty.
Overall, these reforms are crucial for enhancing Parliament's effectiveness and accountability to the electorate.