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Luke
27/08/2025
Politics
Evaluate the extent to which constitutional reforms introduced since 1997 have been successful.
905
•
27 Aug 2025
•
What Happened in UK Constitutional Reforms Since 1997? Easy Essay Plan!
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Constitutional Reforms in the UK Since 1997: Successes and Challenges
The United Kingdom has undergone significant constitutional reforms since 1997, with varying degrees of success across different areas. This page examines the effectiveness of reforms in four key areas: devolution, House of Lords reform, House of Commons reform, and human rights reform.
Devolution
Devolution has been largely successful in Scotland and Wales but has faced challenges in Northern Ireland and England.
Example: The Scotland Act 1998 and Government of Wales Act 2006 established devolved parliaments with significant powers.
Successes include:
- Creation of devolved assemblies and parliaments
- Increased regional autonomy in areas like education and healthcare
- Establishment of the Greater London Authority and mayor in 2000
Challenges include:
- Periodic direct rule from Westminster in Northern Ireland
- Uneven devolution across regions
- Rising nationalism in Scotland
Highlight: The West Lothian Question (English votes for English laws) remains unresolved, with English Votes for English Laws (EVEL) abolished in 2021.
House of Lords Reform
Reforms to the House of Lords have improved scrutiny but concerns about legitimacy persist.
Definition: The House of Lords is the upper chamber of the UK Parliament, responsible for scrutinizing and revising legislation.
Key reforms include:
- The House of Lords Reform Act 1999, which reduced hereditary peers to 92
- Increase in crossbench peers, enhancing expertise and independence
- The House of Lords Reform Act 2014, allowing for the removal of non-attending or law-breaking peers
Ongoing issues:
- Politicized appointments process and accusations of cronyism
- Debate over whether the chamber should be fully elected
- High expenses and large membership (over 800 members)
Quote: "Effective revising chamber (e.g., May's Brexit bills)"
House of Commons Reform
House of Commons reforms have had limited success, with some positive changes for backbenchers but broader structural issues remaining unaddressed.
Positive changes include:
- Creation of the Backbench Business Committee in 2010
- Introduction of e-petitions system
- Recall of MPs Act 2015
Challenges and setbacks:
- Failure to introduce proportional representation
- Unsuccessful attempts to reduce the number of MPs
- Repeal of the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011
Vocabulary: Proportional Representation (PR) is an electoral system where the number of seats won by a party or group of candidates is proportionate to the number of votes received.
Human Rights Reform
Human rights reforms have strengthened protections but face ongoing debates about scope and implementation.
Key reforms:
- Human Rights Act 1998, incorporating the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law
- Creation of the Supreme Court in 2009 through the Constitutional Reform Act 2005
- Equality Act 2010, protecting against discrimination based on protected characteristics
Challenges:
- Attempts to replace the Human Rights Act with a British Bill of Rights
- Government derogations from human rights in certain cases (e.g., control orders, investigatory powers)
- Debates over the balance between individual rights and community protection
Highlight: The Human Rights Act 1998 has been effective in protecting rights, but governments retain the power to restrict rights in certain circumstances.
In conclusion, while constitutional reforms since 1997 have achieved some of their objectives, particularly in devolution and human rights protection, challenges remain in fully realizing the goals of House of Lords and House of Commons reforms. The ongoing debate and evolution of these reforms reflect the complex nature of constitutional change in the UK.
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Stefan S
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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
What Happened in UK Constitutional Reforms Since 1997? Easy Essay Plan!
The UK has undergone significant constitutional reforms since 1997, with varying degrees of success across different areas. Key reforms include devolution, House of Lords restructuring, House of Commons changes, and human rights legislation. While some reforms have achieved their... Show more
Constitutional Reforms in the UK Since 1997: Successes and Challenges
The United Kingdom has undergone significant constitutional reforms since 1997, with varying degrees of success across different areas. This page examines the effectiveness of reforms in four key areas: devolution, House of Lords reform, House of Commons reform, and human rights reform.
Devolution
Devolution has been largely successful in Scotland and Wales but has faced challenges in Northern Ireland and England.
Example: The Scotland Act 1998 and Government of Wales Act 2006 established devolved parliaments with significant powers.
Successes include:
- Creation of devolved assemblies and parliaments
- Increased regional autonomy in areas like education and healthcare
- Establishment of the Greater London Authority and mayor in 2000
Challenges include:
- Periodic direct rule from Westminster in Northern Ireland
- Uneven devolution across regions
- Rising nationalism in Scotland
Highlight: The West Lothian Question (English votes for English laws) remains unresolved, with English Votes for English Laws (EVEL) abolished in 2021.
House of Lords Reform
Reforms to the House of Lords have improved scrutiny but concerns about legitimacy persist.
Definition: The House of Lords is the upper chamber of the UK Parliament, responsible for scrutinizing and revising legislation.
Key reforms include:
- The House of Lords Reform Act 1999, which reduced hereditary peers to 92
- Increase in crossbench peers, enhancing expertise and independence
- The House of Lords Reform Act 2014, allowing for the removal of non-attending or law-breaking peers
Ongoing issues:
- Politicized appointments process and accusations of cronyism
- Debate over whether the chamber should be fully elected
- High expenses and large membership (over 800 members)
Quote: "Effective revising chamber (e.g., May's Brexit bills)"
House of Commons Reform
House of Commons reforms have had limited success, with some positive changes for backbenchers but broader structural issues remaining unaddressed.
Positive changes include:
- Creation of the Backbench Business Committee in 2010
- Introduction of e-petitions system
- Recall of MPs Act 2015
Challenges and setbacks:
- Failure to introduce proportional representation
- Unsuccessful attempts to reduce the number of MPs
- Repeal of the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011
Vocabulary: Proportional Representation (PR) is an electoral system where the number of seats won by a party or group of candidates is proportionate to the number of votes received.
Human Rights Reform
Human rights reforms have strengthened protections but face ongoing debates about scope and implementation.
Key reforms:
- Human Rights Act 1998, incorporating the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law
- Creation of the Supreme Court in 2009 through the Constitutional Reform Act 2005
- Equality Act 2010, protecting against discrimination based on protected characteristics
Challenges:
- Attempts to replace the Human Rights Act with a British Bill of Rights
- Government derogations from human rights in certain cases (e.g., control orders, investigatory powers)
- Debates over the balance between individual rights and community protection
Highlight: The Human Rights Act 1998 has been effective in protecting rights, but governments retain the power to restrict rights in certain circumstances.
In conclusion, while constitutional reforms since 1997 have achieved some of their objectives, particularly in devolution and human rights protection, challenges remain in fully realizing the goals of House of Lords and House of Commons reforms. The ongoing debate and evolution of these reforms reflect the complex nature of constitutional change in the UK.
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.
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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