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Using the source, evaluate the view that the Supreme Court has strengthened parliamentary sovereignty - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 1 - 2021 - Paper 2
Question 1
Using the source, evaluate the view that the Supreme Court has strengthened parliamentary sovereignty. In your response you must: - compare and contrast opinions o... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Using the source, evaluate the view that the Supreme Court has strengthened parliamentary sovereignty - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 1 - 2021 - Paper 2
Step 1
compare and contrast opinions often in balance
Answer
The views presented in Source 2 reveal two contrasting perspectives on the Supreme Court’s role in parliamentary sovereignty. On one hand, Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen argues that the Court's judgment is an 'absolute disgrace' that undermines democracy by disregarding the 2016 referendum. This viewpoint suggests that the Court has overstepped its boundaries and infringed on the authority of elected representatives.
On the other hand, Gina Miller supports the notion that the Supreme Court's actions are a protection of parliamentary sovereignty against potential overreach by the executive branch. She argues that judicial reviews are vital to uphold the balance of power, ensuring that Parliament remains a legislative body with the ability to check the actions of the government. This indicates that the Court is enhancing, rather than undermining, parliamentary sovereignty through its decisions.
Step 2
analyse and evaluate only the information presented in the source
Answer
The information in the source demonstrates a clear contention regarding the power dynamics between the Supreme Court and Parliament. Critics, as mentioned, believe that judicial intervention poses a threat to the democratic process by overriding decisions made by Parliament, effectively suggesting a shift in power towards the judiciary.
Conversely, proponents like Gina Miller assert that the judicial checks provided by the Supreme Court serve to reinforce parliamentary sovereignty rather than diminish it. She emphasizes the importance of legal scrutiny over executive actions, framing it as essential for maintaining a robust parliamentary system. This duality highlights the ongoing debate about the role of the judiciary: whether it acts as a guardian of parliamentary authority or as a power underminer. Overall, while the Supreme Court's interventions might be viewed as contentious, they also can be interpreted as crucial for the health of parliamentary sovereignty.