These are all still with Westminster. The electoral system for the NIA was a single transferable vote and when there was a vote for devolution, a majority voted yes. Overall, Northern Ireland have gained power to an extent, however, it has been more difficult to form a permanent government. This is because there has been a lack of trust between the main parties therefore direct rule from London was restored. On the other hand, in February 2010, all parties agreed to transfer of law and order and security issues to the Northern Ireland Executive which was seen as a highly significant event.
Citizens can now access the information held on them by some 100,000 organisations. This act came into full force n 2005 yet even though public authorities are required to publish more information there are still many which can withhold information on the grounds of public safety or national security. In the respect this reform was of little impact as many companies can excuse not giving away information by claiming its for national security or public safety. One reform which has had a major impact on the constitution was devolution. Britain, at best can be described as quasi-federal as opposed to unitary state or a federal state.
Supporters would argue that referendums should be used in the UK. This is for many reasons, such as allowing the public to have control over decision making. In doing so, making that decision is far more representative because it would be the popular choice, therefore making it far more legitimate. Also, because they’re secret ballots it means the voters can be non-partisan furthermore granting the final outcome to be a more justifiable choice due to f the vast amount of voters. In addition, referendums are a form of direct democracy, consequently giving the public control over decision making.
After the Labour party’s strong victory in the 1997 general election, winning 179 seats, they have made moves and provisions towards constitutional reform. Indeed, the two prime ministers; Tony Blair and Gordon Brown have done much for reform over the years, as illustrated by devolution and the human rights act. Indeed, they made provision for reform in 4 key areas, modernisation, and greater protection of rights, democratisation and decentralisation. However, it can be argued that their reform has been limited, and much more can be done for constitutional reform. Firstly, it is clear that the modernisation aspects of the reform have been severely limited.
Should referendums be more widely used in the UK? (25 marks) In a referendum the people are invited on a local, national or regional basis to vote on a key political issue, usually of a constitutional nature. Referendums pose a simple question which requires a straight forward ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. In the UK referendum results are not legally binding, but parliament will effectively always accept a referendum result. Referendums have become more widely used since 1997 and have helped to decide controversial policies.
Cameron experienced his first defeat over the EU Budget last week, with more than 50 Tory MPs rebelling. There was majority of 13, in favour of a rebel Tory call led by Mark Reckless for a real terms cut in the European Union's budget. This proves that some backbenchers are brave enough to take action and not be unquestionably loyal to the government. The number of U-turns that the current government has done indicates that the threat of a backbench rebellion is sometimes enough to persuade them to drop a policy. In 2010 backbenchers were threatening to rebel over tuition fees.
Scott martin – extended essay - liberal reforms Question – how successfully did the Liberal government (1906-14). Tackle the problem of poverty? Many historians argue the liberals effectively tackled the problem of poverty once elected in 1906 in their landslide victory. Once the party was elected however it was still very much in favour of its laissez-faire policy and social reform was not high in its parties priorities, it took significant time and pressure also some very notable individuals such as Lloyd George or Winston Churchill to change the course of Britain’s welfare system and unwittingly perhaps set up the foundations of the welfare state in the future. This essay will show how the liberals aimed to tackle the problem of
“there is no participation crisis in the UK” discuss? (25 marks) Over time as a society becomes more modernised and changed many seem to form theories of a controversial topic if there is or isn’t a participation crisis in the UK as less people are willing to actively participate or engage in any political activities whatsoever. This research was concluded when Tony Blair was in power and in 2006 the power report was published concluding the popular disillusionment with democratic institutions which the parties then declared needed immediate attention. Participation is crucial in politics because it will allow the government to be held responsible and legit. Key forms of participation, such as voting and party membership have declined significantly
schools and a leading reform advocate, put it this way in a recent piece for the Huffington Post: "Poverty presents huge challenges in our schools. But expectations of academic success for a child should never hinge on the circumstances of his or her birth." A COCOON OF SUPPORT SERVICES The reform movement has enjoyed a powerful wave of bi-partisan political support in recent years, from President Barack Obama on down. Yet in a few corners of the nation, with much less fanfare, the unions' preferred approach is being tested. In Cincinnati, for instance, the public school district and an array of corporate and philanthropic donors have spent tens of millions over the past decade to wrap nearly every school in a cocoon of support services.
One can create an e-petition about anything that the government is responsible for and if it gets at least 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in the House of Commons. Referenda and other forms of direct democracy could be argued to be more democratic than the opportunity to vote in elections because of the fact that general turnout for referenda exceeds the turnout for a general election. Direct democracy also allows citizens to contribute actively to decisions on how they are governed and important issues such as tax. An example of this could be the Croydon council poll in 2001. Direct democracy also overcomes flaws in the mandate theory.