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Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
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2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
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Politics
4 Dec 2025
121
3 pages
Tanvir Ahmed @txnvir_ahmed
The relationship between Parliament and the executive (government) in the UK is constantly evolving, with power shifting back... Show more
The UK political system revolves around the dynamic relationship between Parliament (the legislative branch) and the executive (the government and Prime Minister). This relationship determines how effectively the country is governed and how democratic accountability works.
Unlike some other democracies, the UK executive is drawn from Parliament itself, creating a complex web of controls and influences. The balance of power between these institutions isn't fixed - it changes based on factors like election results, party unity, and public opinion.
Key Point The strength of parliamentary control often depends on whether the government has a large majority or faces a divided Parliament.
Parliament has several tools to keep the government in check, though their effectiveness varies greatly. Question Time and select committees regularly scrutinise government actions, forcing ministers to explain their decisions publicly.
The ultimate parliamentary weapon is the vote of no confidence, which can bring down an entire government. Parliament can also amend legislation to protect minority interests and force the government to reconsider unpopular policies.
However, these controls work best when the government is vulnerable. A government with a small majority, internal divisions, or an unpopular Prime Minister will struggle far more than one with strong parliamentary support and party unity.
Reality Check Parliamentary controls are often just conventions - they can be ignored if a government is willing to face the political consequences.
Don't be fooled into thinking Parliament always has the upper hand - the executive has powerful tools to maintain control. Party loyalty is the government's strongest weapon, with MPs usually voting along party lines rather than challenging their own government.
The Prime Minister's patronage powers are incredibly effective at maintaining discipline. MPs who consistently oppose the government can kiss goodbye to any hopes of ministerial promotion, whilst party whips can even suspend troublesome MPs from their party entirely.
Collective responsibility also plays a role, requiring all government ministers to publicly support government policy or resign. When you combine these factors with a large parliamentary majority, the executive can dominate Parliament completely - just look at how Theresa May struggled without these advantages.
Power Play The strength of executive control often comes down to simple maths - a large, united majority makes parliamentary rebellion nearly impossible.
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.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
3
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the distinct functions of the House of Commons and the House of Lords in the UK Parliament. This summary covers key roles such as scrutiny, legislative processes, representation, and the unique powers of each chamber. Ideal for students studying UK politics and the parliamentary system.
PoliticsExplore the comparative analysis of First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) and Additional Members System (AMS) electoral systems. This essay plan outlines key arguments for and against each system, focusing on representation, voter choice, and political impact. Ideal for A-level Politics students seeking to understand electoral systems and their implications for modern UK politics.
PoliticsExplore the effectiveness of executive scrutiny in the UK and US through a detailed essay plan. This resource covers key concepts such as the separation of powers, parliamentary powers, and the roles of the Senate and House of Commons in holding the executive accountable. Ideal for students preparing for essays on political structures and governance.
PoliticsExplore the critical arguments surrounding the need for reform in the House of Lords. This essay examines the undemocratic appointment process, the lack of representation, and the implications for British democracy. Key concepts include parliamentary powers, the UK political system, and constitutional comparisons.
PoliticsExplore the intricate relationship between the Prime Minister and the Cabinet in the UK political system. This summary covers key concepts such as coalition government, appointment powers, and the evolution of executive authority from the 1960s to present. Ideal for A-level Politics students, this resource provides insights into how PMs navigate party unity, public pressure, and ministerial responsibilities to maintain governance. Understand the balance of power and the factors influencing cabinet effectiveness.
PoliticsExplore the critical concepts of judicial independence and neutrality within the UK Supreme Court. This study note covers the appointment processes, the role of judicial review, and landmark cases that illustrate the court's influence on the justice system. Ideal for A Level Politics students seeking to understand the complexities of the judiciary's relationship with government and the rule of law.
LawQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
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
Tanvir Ahmed
@txnvir_ahmed
The relationship between Parliament and the executive (government) in the UK is constantly evolving, with power shifting back and forth depending on political circumstances. Understanding how these two branches of government control each other is crucial for grasping how British... Show more
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The UK political system revolves around the dynamic relationship between Parliament (the legislative branch) and the executive (the government and Prime Minister). This relationship determines how effectively the country is governed and how democratic accountability works.
Unlike some other democracies, the UK executive is drawn from Parliament itself, creating a complex web of controls and influences. The balance of power between these institutions isn't fixed - it changes based on factors like election results, party unity, and public opinion.
Key Point: The strength of parliamentary control often depends on whether the government has a large majority or faces a divided Parliament.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Parliament has several tools to keep the government in check, though their effectiveness varies greatly. Question Time and select committees regularly scrutinise government actions, forcing ministers to explain their decisions publicly.
The ultimate parliamentary weapon is the vote of no confidence, which can bring down an entire government. Parliament can also amend legislation to protect minority interests and force the government to reconsider unpopular policies.
However, these controls work best when the government is vulnerable. A government with a small majority, internal divisions, or an unpopular Prime Minister will struggle far more than one with strong parliamentary support and party unity.
Reality Check: Parliamentary controls are often just conventions - they can be ignored if a government is willing to face the political consequences.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Don't be fooled into thinking Parliament always has the upper hand - the executive has powerful tools to maintain control. Party loyalty is the government's strongest weapon, with MPs usually voting along party lines rather than challenging their own government.
The Prime Minister's patronage powers are incredibly effective at maintaining discipline. MPs who consistently oppose the government can kiss goodbye to any hopes of ministerial promotion, whilst party whips can even suspend troublesome MPs from their party entirely.
Collective responsibility also plays a role, requiring all government ministers to publicly support government policy or resign. When you combine these factors with a large parliamentary majority, the executive can dominate Parliament completely - just look at how Theresa May struggled without these advantages.
Power Play: The strength of executive control often comes down to simple maths - a large, united majority makes parliamentary rebellion nearly impossible.
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.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
3
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the distinct functions of the House of Commons and the House of Lords in the UK Parliament. This summary covers key roles such as scrutiny, legislative processes, representation, and the unique powers of each chamber. Ideal for students studying UK politics and the parliamentary system.
PoliticsExplore the comparative analysis of First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) and Additional Members System (AMS) electoral systems. This essay plan outlines key arguments for and against each system, focusing on representation, voter choice, and political impact. Ideal for A-level Politics students seeking to understand electoral systems and their implications for modern UK politics.
PoliticsExplore the effectiveness of executive scrutiny in the UK and US through a detailed essay plan. This resource covers key concepts such as the separation of powers, parliamentary powers, and the roles of the Senate and House of Commons in holding the executive accountable. Ideal for students preparing for essays on political structures and governance.
PoliticsExplore the critical arguments surrounding the need for reform in the House of Lords. This essay examines the undemocratic appointment process, the lack of representation, and the implications for British democracy. Key concepts include parliamentary powers, the UK political system, and constitutional comparisons.
PoliticsExplore the intricate relationship between the Prime Minister and the Cabinet in the UK political system. This summary covers key concepts such as coalition government, appointment powers, and the evolution of executive authority from the 1960s to present. Ideal for A-level Politics students, this resource provides insights into how PMs navigate party unity, public pressure, and ministerial responsibilities to maintain governance. Understand the balance of power and the factors influencing cabinet effectiveness.
PoliticsExplore the critical concepts of judicial independence and neutrality within the UK Supreme Court. This study note covers the appointment processes, the role of judicial review, and landmark cases that illustrate the court's influence on the justice system. Ideal for A Level Politics students seeking to understand the complexities of the judiciary's relationship with government and the rule of law.
LawQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
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
Modern Studies
Sociology