Role of Parliament and the Execcutive

  • Parliament: British legislature made up of the House of Commons, House of Lords, and monarch
  • Government: Political party which holds Commons majority and runs the country
  • Executive and parliament are fused

Executive dominance

  • Whipping and discipline ensure government bills pass easily
  • Most parliamentary business controlled by the government
  • Private members’ bills almost alywas require government support to get passed
  • 60% of select committees’ reports and recommendations are ignored
  • Most MPs follow party line in speeches and debates
  • Public bill committee membership is controlled by the whips
  • Most PMQs are about point-scoring and theatrical displays rather than for actual scrutiny