Discuss the extent to which Government control limits the effectiveness of Parliament in performing its main functions (25)
Within British politics, it is generally accepted that the executive branch, dominates the legislative. Some have often argued that especially since 1997, this trend has developed into an ‘elected dictatorship’, so it can therefore often be questioned whether the Government has too much power over Parliament. The system of party whips, Government Majorities, weaknesses and strengths of the lords, free votes/rebellions, and Private Members Bills are all factors that can be used to discuss the extent of the control Government has over Parliament.
Firstly, the whipping system within parties can be used to demand loyalty from MPs under a certain party. Whips control membership of committees and the Business of the house, having the power to ‘withdraw the whip’ from Rebel MPs, meaning party membership and privileges are suspended. This means the party in control of the legislation and with a majority can ensure votes from almost every member of their party, through the whip system, therefore, if they have a strong majority, always being able to pass their bills and reject opposition bills. This limits the effectiveness of Parliament in democratically delivering law, as it allows the party in majority to disregard other parties, and their own member’s opinions, and force them to vote one way, the way that they agree with. This can cause major consequences, with many rebellious MPs voting against the whip to show their anger at the government. Government majorities, which are almost guaranteed in English Politics due to the First-Past-the-Post system; for example there have only been 2 general elections since the Second World War where a party has failed to achieve a majority. This system guarantees voting support for the Government in power, for