Minister, and the ways they have changed and the balance of power between the Prime Minister and the Cabinet 3.3.2 The powers of the Prime Minster and the Cabinet to dictate events and determine policy. Students must study the influence of one Prime Minister from 1945 to 1997 and one post-1997 Prime Minister. Students may choose any pre-1997 and any post-1997 Prime Minister, provided that they study them in an equivalent level of detail, covering both events and policy, with examples that illustrate both control and a lack of control. Consideration of the 1945-1997 Prime Minister in detail. For example Harold Wilson, with reference to the Britain’s Membership of the European Community, comprehensive education, and government economic policy (including the renationalisation of steel and devaluation of the pound) OR Margaret Thatcher with reference to the Falklands War, the Poll Tax and government economic policy (including the privatisation of utilities and monetarism) With a focus on their ability to dictate events and determine policy. Research and write a brief biography of one of your chosen Prime Ministers (Act) Chart the rise and fall of one Prime Minister’s influence during their time in officer (E) 8 Above continued. Consideration of the 1945-1997 Prime Minister in detail. For example: Tony Blair, with reference to the Northern Ireland Peace Process, the Iraq War, and government economic policy Write an assessment of the relative effectiveness of the two Prime Ministers (Act)
The different stages a bill must go through to become law. The interaction between the Commons and the Lords during the legislative process, including the Salisbury Convention. Overview of the first reading, second reading, committee stage, report stage, third reading and royal assent. The potential for political ‘ping pong’ between the Houses, and how this is limited by both convention and the Parliament Acts. Research the background to the 1911 Parliament Act (Act) Short response question on the main stages of a legislative bill (AT) 10 2.2 The comparative powers of the House of Commons and House of Lords. The exclusive powers of the House of Commons. The main powers of the House of Lords. Debates about the relative power of the two houses. Evaluation of the exclusive powers of the Commons, particularly in terms of finance and the right to insist on legislation. Consideration of the Lords’ ability to scrutinise legislation based on a lack of majority, additional expertise, and additional time. Examples of recent influence of the House of Lords – for example of benefits cuts. Research a recent example of a disagreement between the Commons and Lords (Act) Write a proposal for either increasing or decreasing the powers of the House of Lords. (E) Essay question ‘To what extent is the House of Commons more powerful than the House of Lords?’ (AT) 11 2.4 The ways in which Parliament interacts with the Executive. The work of select committees. The purpose and nature of ministerial question time, including Prime Minister’s Questions. Examination of the work of an example select committee, such as the Public Accounts Committee, with a focus on their powers (such as calling witnesses and issuing reports) and limitations (such as resources and lack of legislative powers) Detailed consideration of the role backbenchers play in each of the functions of Parliament outlined above. Watch PMQs and rate the effectiveness of Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition with reasons (Act) Read and summarise a select committee report (E) Role play a conversation between a whip and a rebellious backbencher (Act)
The role and composition of the Supreme Court. The key operating principles of the Supreme Court, including judicial neutrality and judicial independence and their extent. The degree to which the Supreme Court influences both the Executive and Parliament, including the doctrine of ultra vires and judicial review. Consideration of the role of the Supreme Court as the final court of appeal for judicial review of government acts, for other significant appeals in criminal or civil cases and for jurisdiction disputes. Consideration of the importance of neutrality and independence, and how they are guaranteed (such as independent appointments, contempt of court rules, independently set salaries, limitations on political activity. Discussion of the limits on neutrality and independence, (such as Government role in appointment, lack of demographic representation, and judicial activism) Debates on the level of influence exercised by the Supreme Court, with particular reference to recent cases (for example the Brexit ruling) Class mock court activity on Article 50 ruling (Act) Research and report on the differences between the UK and US Supreme Courts (E) Essay question ‘To what extent is the Supreme Court independent and neutral’ (AT) 14 4.3 The aims, role and impact of the European Union (EU) on UK government. The aims of the EU, including the ‘four freedoms’ of the single market, social policy, and political and economic union and the extent to which these have been achieved. The role of the EU in policy making. Background of the four freedoms of people, capital, goods and service Recent developments in social policy including the Social Chapter and Charter of Fundamental Rights. The moves towards Political and Economic Union including the reduction of the veto and the introduction of the Euro. Consideration of the different ways in which the EU influences policy making including treaties, directives and regulations, and enforcement via the European Court of Justice Write a case study on the impact of the Social Chapter or the Common Fisheries Policy (Ass) Class debate on Brexit (Ass) Research and report on an EU treaty (E) Short response or source question on the loss of sovereignty (AT)