An analysis of the powers enjoyed by the British House of Commons, using a three-dimensional framework of power. Comparisons to other parliaments are employed throughout to highlight distinctions. The essay concludes that the House of Commons does not dispose of extensive powers, and remains powerful when compared to its counterparts in other countries.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Concepts of Power
- Coercive and Persuasive Power
- Agenda-Setting Power
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay examines the power of the British Parliament, specifically the House of Commons, from a multi-dimensional perspective. It aims to analyze the extent to which the parliament holds real power in the face of executive dominance. The essay utilizes the work of Dahl, Bachrach, Baratz, and Lukes to develop a framework for understanding the various dimensions of power.
- Legislative Power and Autonomy
- Agenda-Setting Power of the Executive
- Role of Private Members and Backbenchers
- Comparison of the House of Commons to other Legislatures
- Constraints on Parliamentary Power
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first section introduces the essay's objective and outlines the multi-dimensional framework of power that will be employed. It defines the three dimensions of power: coercive and persuasive power, agenda-setting power, and institutional power. The second section delves into the first dimension of power, focusing on the legislative power of the House of Commons. It examines the limitations placed on parliament's ability to influence legislation, particularly the executive's monopoly over the introduction of financial bills. The essay also explores the role of private members' legislation and the potential for increased backbencher autonomy. The third section analyzes the government's agenda-setting power within the British Parliament. It discusses the government's control over the parliamentary agenda, committee system, and the amount of debate on bills. The essay further explores the constraints placed on the House of Commons by the executive, such as the limited time allotted for debates and the government's ability to restrict amendments.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This essay focuses on the power of the British Parliament, specifically the House of Commons, within a multi-dimensional framework. Key concepts include: parliamentary power, executive dominance, legislative autonomy, agenda-setting, institutional power, private members' bills, backbenchers, and comparative analysis of legislatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does the British House of Commons really have?
The House of Commons remains powerful compared to foreign counterparts, but its real influence is often constrained by executive dominance and government control.
What is the "agenda-setting power" of the executive?
The government largely controls the parliamentary timetable, the committee system, and which bills are prioritized for debate, limiting the autonomy of the House.
What are the three dimensions of power used in this analysis?
The framework utilizes coercive and persuasive power, agenda-setting power, and institutional power based on theories by Dahl, Lukes, and others.
Can backbenchers influence legislation in the UK?
While the executive has a monopoly on financial bills, backbenchers can exert influence through private members' bills and increased autonomy in certain debates.
How does the British Parliament compare to other legislatures?
The analysis suggests that while the House of Commons faces constraints, it maintains a distinct level of coercive and persuasive power compared to many other countries.
- Quote paper
- Tim Pfefferle (Author), 2013, How Much Power Does the British Parliament Have?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/265909
