To what extent does Parliament control executive power?

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To what extent does Parliament control executive power?

Although Parliament to some extent controls executive power, there are limitations to the extent of this control.

Government usually has an overall majority. The electoral systems put in place by parliament as a whole usually guarantee this, with the exception of May 2010. In the circumstances of a small government majority, the effectiveness of parliament can be increased due to the fact that normal voting patterns and predictable outcomes for government votes may not apply, meaning that governments power is reduced. A majority can mean that to a certain extent, Government can pass any law it wants to. However, the fptp voting system can undermine representation in the commons because it can mean that certain parties are over represented. This means that Parliament’s control over certain parties can be limited.

The power of prime ministerial patronage renders many Mps excessively docile and loyal. This means that as opposed to the Burkean view which suggests that MPs use their own judgement in acting on behalf of their constituents. The doctrine of the mandate, by contrast, suggests that MPs serve their constituents by ‘toeing a party line’.

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This can also affect debates such as adjournment debates. They allow for back benchers to examine and discuss government policy. This therefore reduces government power as it requires government to justify and examine its own actions. ‘No confidence’ debates can also bring down a government eg in 1979 when this was proved. However, the power of legislative debates is subject to a ‘guillotine’. The vote in debates is also usually a foregone conclusion based upon party strengths and lobby fodder. This means that as government usually has a majority, it is not very hard to it to get its bills ...

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4 Stars - The strengths of this essay lie in its competent command and explanation of the subject matter and the precise, analytical conclusion. Where the essay could be improved is with a more coherent structure - points are not effectively grouped together, consequently the essay 'jumps around' and revisits earlier themes in a confusing way. In places points would be strengthened with a greater use of concrete examples.