1. The Power and Effectiveness of Parliament
Parliamentary Sovereignty in theory and practice

2. Monday morning blues….
What are the limits on the sovereignty of parliament?
EU / ECHR / IMF / City / Media / Electorate
The need to maintain public support to stay in power
How has membership impacted upon parliamentary sovereignty?
Factortame Case

3. Parliament and Government
How is governmental accountability conducted in the UK?
Confidence
Ministerial Responsibility
Question Time
Select Committees…
How does the government dominate the House of Commons?
Membership majority
Shape agenda
Nearly always win
Control of information to parliament
Is this power actually a bad thing?

4. Do we have an elective dictatorship?
Lord Hailsham – Flexible Constitution / Majority Government = Elective Dictatorship
Time of Writing (70’s Labour – 29% Electorate)
Power of the Whipping System to drive through legislation
Power of Patronage
However – Select Committees / Back Bench Rebellions (John Major / anti-terrorist legislation)
Does it matter that we have an ‘elected dictatorship?’

5. The Opposition… What is the role of the Opposition party in the UK?
Oppose government
Support government
Provide an alternative government
Consider activity p210
Why is being in opposition so difficult?
Lack of Civil Service
No control over the political agenda
Back to the left / right
Problems of previous legacy
Ministerial ambitions…