Contemporary Constitutional Debates

This final lesson in the UK Constitution topic draws together the key themes and applies them to the most important contemporary constitutional debates. A-Level Politics examiners expect you to engage with current issues and demonstrate awareness of how the constitution is evolving. This lesson equips you with the knowledge and arguments needed to tackle any essay or source question on constitutional reform and the future of the UK constitution.

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Debate 1: The Power of the Executive vs Parliament

The Issue

One of the central tensions in the UK constitution is the relationship between the Executive (PM and Cabinet) and Parliament (Commons and Lords). In theory, Parliament holds the Executive to account. In practice, the Executive often dominates Parliament through its majority, the whip system, and control of the legislative timetable.

Key Arguments