UK Politics Study Notes

The process of creating, changing, or approving laws. Parliament has the power to make laws and also gives this power to other lawmakers.

Parliament represents different communities across the United Kingdom through elected Members of Parliament (MPs). MPs come from various backgrounds, including different genders, ethnicities, and sexual orientations.

Parliamentary committees carefully examine proposed laws and gather evidence to ensure they are well-designed and effective. The House of Lords also reviews bills before they become laws.

Parliamentary committees that focus on specific areas of policy and hold the government accountable.

Select committees can have a direct impact on government policy, influencing decisions that affect the country.

The principle of transferring power from a central government to regional governments.

A type of government where the executive branch derives its legitimacy from the legislature, meaning the government is formed by members of the elected parliament.

A system where the executive branch and the legislative branch are separate and independent. The president is directly elected by the people.

A member of the House of Lords who is not affiliated with any political party.

The person who presides over debates in the House of Commons, maintaining order and ensuring fair debate.

A committee in Parliament that examines the financial decisions of the government.

The various functions of Parliament in a democracy, including representing the people, making laws, and scrutinizing the government.

A view suggesting that devolution has positively impacted democracy in the UK by giving more regional control and representation.

Parliamentary committees provide detailed scrutiny of government policies and actions, often through question sessions where ministers are held accountable.

Government majority on committees gives the ruling party a significant influence over the composition and direction of committees, potentially limiting opposition's voice.

Select committees have the power to call witnesses, including government officials, to gather information and investigate matters further. This strengthens their investigative power.

Committees can access government documents related to their inquiries, allowing them to delve deeper and uncover evidence.

Despite their power, committees lack the authority to enforce their recommendations. This limits their ability to directly implement changes.

Since 2010, select committees have exhibited increasing independence, demonstrating a stronger commitment to scrutinizing government actions and holding officials accountable.

Members of parliament may use positions on select committees to gain experience and visibility, potentially advancing their careers in politics.

The Business and Trade Committee is responsible for overseeing the Department for Business and Trade, a significant area with a broad range of policy areas.

The idea that society needs tough laws and strong punishments to maintain order. This often involves more police, stricter sentences, and focus on crime prevention.

A political stance emphasizing traditional values, law enforcement, and national security. Proponents believe in strict laws, strong military, and limited government involvement in social issues.

A political philosophy emphasizing helping those in need, reducing inequality, and providing social services. Advocates believe in a strong social safety net and government intervention in social issues.

A political philosophy advocating for smaller government, less regulation, and individual responsibility. Proponents believe in free markets, limited social welfare, and strong national defense.

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 aimed to reduce crime and improve public safety by introducing stricter sentences for serious offenders. It also required certain offenders to serve two-thirds of their sentence before being eligible for parole.

The UK's public healthcare system, providing healthcare free at the point of use to all residents. It is funded through national taxation and managed by the government.

A period when the UK was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing various challenges to healthcare and social services.

The act of providing financial support to an organization or activity, often with the aim of improving outcomes or achieving specific goals.

A commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and to maintaining a nuclear deterrent.

A commitment to providing support to Ukraine, including standing with the people of Ukraine and helping defend against potential attacks.

The Labour Party's proposed approach to education and social welfare, focusing on improving children's lives through better education and a social safety net for vulnerable individuals.

A commitment to recruiting 6,500 new expert teachers in key subjects, starting in September 2024. This will enable the extension of free school meals to all primary school children.

The Conservatives' commitment to strengthening national defense to prevent future attacks, including actions to stop foreign interference from groups like Iran.

A plan to extend free school meals to all children in poverty, with an ambition to extend this to all primary school children when public finances allow.

The proposed social safety net aims to provide support for vulnerable individuals.

The Conservatives' focus on strengthening national security, including measures to secure national defenses to prevent future attacks.

Political parties play a crucial role in society, and funding them could help ensure they have the resources to develop effective policies and provide strong government opposition.

Parties receiving state funding may become reliant on the government, potentially compromising their independence and willingness to challenge government policies.

Conditions attached to state funding could restrict the political views and positions of parties, leading to a less diverse and less democratic political landscape.

State funding can create a more level playing field for all parties, particularly smaller ones, allowing them to compete on policy rather than solely on financial resources.

Selecting which parties receive funding and how much they get can lead to unfairness and bias, making it harder for new parties to gain a foothold.

State funding can help reduce the influence of wealthy donors who may seek political influence in return for their contributions.

Parties can receive funding based on their number of seats in parliament, aiming to ensure a more equitable distribution of resources.

The counter argument is weak because state funding can be distributed based on seats, ensuring a fairer balance between major and minor parties.