Key topic: Parliament (2) DO NOW In the last general election, 15.9 mn people did not vote—millions more than voted for any single political party. Why might this have been? What effect does this lack of voting have on government?

What’s wrong with this paragraph? The office of the priminster has been affected greatly by coalition government. David cameron is the most powerful person in britain but he is more limited in his powers than tony blair, margaret thatcher or any of their predecessors. This is because cameron has to work with clegg and the liberal democrats in order to preserve minister power.

Learning objectives To consolidate our understanding of the functions of parliament To explain the impact of coalition government on parliament To relate these to other key topics studied to-date

Key concepts and required reading DatesTopicKey conceptsRequired reading Apr Parliament Parliamentary sovereignty in theory and practice The composition and main roles and functions of Parliament: representation, legislation, scrutiny. The relative powers of the House of Commons and House of Lords. The influence of backbenchers, frontbenchers, whips and the Opposition. The influence of coalition government on parliament. ‘Parliament: What does it do and how effectively does it do it?' Politics Review November 2013 ‘The House of Commons: A rejuvenated institution?' Politics Review November 2014 ‘The Coalition in Parliament’ B. Yong in Hazell and Yong The Politics of Coalition (2015) McNaughton & Magee UK Government & Politics Annual Update – 2015 (2015), Ch.4 Heywood, Essentials of UK Politics (2011) Ch.7 ‘Parliament‘ Watts, British Government & Politics (2012) Ch.3. 'The legislature‘ Grant, The UK Parliament (2009) Ch.1 & Conclusion Heffernan, Cowley & Hay, Developments in British Politics (2011) Ch.4 'Changing parliamentary landscapes‘

Legislation This chart describes Parliament’s legislative process The role of the HoL is limited in three primary ways: a)Peers cannot vote on money bills b)Peers can only delay legislation: they cannot reject it c)The Salisbury Convention

Revise: Scrutiny instruments Define the following scrutiny instruments and rank them in order of importance/effectiveness: Prime minister’s questions (PMQs) and ministers’ questions (MQs). Early-day motions and topical debates Standing committees Select committees Opposition days

An end to ‘lobby fodder’ Once described as "lobby fodder", backbench parliamentarians have highlighted that coveting ministerial office isn’t the only way to effect change. Simon Danczuk’s expose of child abuse resulted in the independent inquiry announced by the Home Secretary. Steve Rotheram secured the release of the papers relating to the Hillsborough disaster. Mark Pritchard lead the backbench rebellion which resulted in a ban of wild animals in circuses. Tom Watson’s campaign on phone hacking catapulted select committees into the public eye, and has had a lasting impact on our media landscape. These individuals are credited with using the powers at their disposal – be it crowbarring an amendment to government legislation, mobilising an active external lobby to demonstrate the strength of public opinion, or quietly pursuing an issue with subtle behind the scenes lobbying. They also made effective use of the new mechanisms introduced during the life of this parliament. Securing a debate in time allocated to the Backbench Business Committee; assiduously advancing an issue via a Select Committee; agile use of amendments to legislation; and mobilising pressure groups and constituency campaigns are some of the keys to success. Adapted from editorial Public Affairs New (2015) Define the term amendment as used in the extract. (5) Using your own knowledge as well as the extract, consider the extent to which parliament has become more independent under the coalition. (10) Topic 2 Parliament

Mini essays about Parliament Write yourself three 25 mark questions regarding Parliament based on the content of Ch4 in McNaughton and Magee.

Substantiating key points Refer to Yong ‘The Coalition in Parliament’ pp Find evidence in support of the following statements: Liberal Democrat MPs outside of government were dissatisfied with coalition. Crossbench peers were more influential under the coalition than under the preceding Labour government. The lack of a clear electoral mandate affected the coalition parties’ ability to enforce party discipline. The Conservatives and LibDems cooperated closely on matters of party discipline. Backbenchers from both parties were more keen than frontbenchers to maintain party ‘distinctiveness’.