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How Parliament Holds The Government to Account: Simple Modern Studies Examples

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Modern studies parliament holding government to account

775

30 Jul 2022

2 pages

How Parliament Holds The Government to Account: Simple Modern Studies Examples

user profile picture

Rachel Taylor

@racheltayl.r

Parliament's effectiveness in holding the UK government accountable: A critical... Show more

Modern Studies Essay
Parliament has had little success in holding the government to account 12
The parliament has many ways of holding the g

The House of Lords: A Complex Check on Government Power

The House of Lords plays a crucial role in the UK's system of parliamentary scrutiny, offering a different approach to holding the government to account compared to the House of Commons.

Key Functions of the House of Lords:

  • Scrutinizing bills before they become law
  • Ability to delay the legislative process
  • Forcing the government to reconsider and amend proposed legislation

Highlight: The House of Lords can debate issues in a less politically biased manner than the more confrontational House of Commons, as no party holds a majority.

Strengths in Government Accountability:

  • Power to delay or amend laws they disagree with
  • Ability to force cross-party support for legislation

Example: In January 2022, the government faced defeats in the House of Lords over its plans to restrict disruptive protests in the Crime and Justice Bill, demonstrating the chamber's ability to challenge government proposals.

Limitations and Controversies:

  • The Prime Minister has the power to appoint new members
  • Accusations of "cronyism" in appointments
  • Concerns about the growing size of the chamber over800membersover 800 members

Quote: SNP MP Pete Wishart criticized the Prime Minister, saying he was giving "jobs for life to friends and those who have done him favours."

Example: The appointment of Jo Johnson, the Prime Minister's brother, to the House of Lords raised questions about the impartiality of the appointment process.

While the House of Lords provides an important check on government power, concerns about its composition and appointment process may limit its effectiveness in thoroughly scrutinizing the government.

Modern Studies Essay
Parliament has had little success in holding the government to account 12
The parliament has many ways of holding the g

Prime Minister's Questions: A Limited Tool for Accountability

Prime Minister's Questions PMQsPMQs serves as a weekly opportunity for Members of Parliament to directly question the Prime Minister, potentially serving as an important mechanism for holding the government to account.

Definition: PMQs occur every Wednesday from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM, where the Prime Minister answers questions from MPs in the House of Commons.

While PMQs offer a platform for scrutiny, their effectiveness is debated:

Strengths:

  • Allows MPs to address recent issues and accusations
  • The Prime Minister is obliged to respond to questions

Limitations:

  • Short duration limits in-depth questioning
  • Prime Minister can sometimes evade direct answers
  • Questions are often known in advance, allowing for prepared responses

Example: In December 2021, Labour leader Keir Starmer confronted Boris Johnson about alleged lockdown-breaking parties, demonstrating how PMQs can be used to address high-profile controversies.

Highlight: The confrontational nature of PMQs can sometimes overshadow substantive debate, as seen when SNP leader Ian Blackford was removed for using the word "misleading" instead of receiving a direct answer from the Prime Minister.

While PMQs provide a visible form of accountability, their limited scope and potential for evasion reduce their overall effectiveness in thoroughly scrutinising the government.



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Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Modern Studies

775

30 Jul 2022

2 pages

How Parliament Holds The Government to Account: Simple Modern Studies Examples

user profile picture

Rachel Taylor

@racheltayl.r

Parliament's effectiveness in holding the UK government accountable: A critical analysis

  • Examines key mechanisms for government scrutiny: Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs), House of Lords, and media oversight
  • Evaluates strengths and limitations of each method in ensuring government accountability UK
  • Explores... Show more

Modern Studies Essay
Parliament has had little success in holding the government to account 12
The parliament has many ways of holding the g

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Join milions of students

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The House of Lords: A Complex Check on Government Power

The House of Lords plays a crucial role in the UK's system of parliamentary scrutiny, offering a different approach to holding the government to account compared to the House of Commons.

Key Functions of the House of Lords:

  • Scrutinizing bills before they become law
  • Ability to delay the legislative process
  • Forcing the government to reconsider and amend proposed legislation

Highlight: The House of Lords can debate issues in a less politically biased manner than the more confrontational House of Commons, as no party holds a majority.

Strengths in Government Accountability:

  • Power to delay or amend laws they disagree with
  • Ability to force cross-party support for legislation

Example: In January 2022, the government faced defeats in the House of Lords over its plans to restrict disruptive protests in the Crime and Justice Bill, demonstrating the chamber's ability to challenge government proposals.

Limitations and Controversies:

  • The Prime Minister has the power to appoint new members
  • Accusations of "cronyism" in appointments
  • Concerns about the growing size of the chamber over800membersover 800 members

Quote: SNP MP Pete Wishart criticized the Prime Minister, saying he was giving "jobs for life to friends and those who have done him favours."

Example: The appointment of Jo Johnson, the Prime Minister's brother, to the House of Lords raised questions about the impartiality of the appointment process.

While the House of Lords provides an important check on government power, concerns about its composition and appointment process may limit its effectiveness in thoroughly scrutinizing the government.

Modern Studies Essay
Parliament has had little success in holding the government to account 12
The parliament has many ways of holding the g

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Prime Minister's Questions: A Limited Tool for Accountability

Prime Minister's Questions PMQsPMQs serves as a weekly opportunity for Members of Parliament to directly question the Prime Minister, potentially serving as an important mechanism for holding the government to account.

Definition: PMQs occur every Wednesday from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM, where the Prime Minister answers questions from MPs in the House of Commons.

While PMQs offer a platform for scrutiny, their effectiveness is debated:

Strengths:

  • Allows MPs to address recent issues and accusations
  • The Prime Minister is obliged to respond to questions

Limitations:

  • Short duration limits in-depth questioning
  • Prime Minister can sometimes evade direct answers
  • Questions are often known in advance, allowing for prepared responses

Example: In December 2021, Labour leader Keir Starmer confronted Boris Johnson about alleged lockdown-breaking parties, demonstrating how PMQs can be used to address high-profile controversies.

Highlight: The confrontational nature of PMQs can sometimes overshadow substantive debate, as seen when SNP leader Ian Blackford was removed for using the word "misleading" instead of receiving a direct answer from the Prime Minister.

While PMQs provide a visible form of accountability, their limited scope and potential for evasion reduce their overall effectiveness in thoroughly scrutinising the government.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user