Chapter 1 Multiple Choice Questions

. Which of the following powers are examples of prerogative power?

Conduct of foreign policy

Royal assent to bills

War and military action

Calling a referendum

. According to the famous jurist Dicey (1889) why were many features of British politics based on conventions?

Conventions were thought to soften the potential harshness of parliamentary sovereignty or the unrestricted legal power of government, and to ensure accountability was fostered, allowing for a more moderate government.

Conventions were thought to be popular among politicians who disapproved of referring to countless documents and laws. Instead, politicians preferred to conduct policy from organic agreements that they could choose to apply at their own discretion.

Conventions were thought to stand the test of time, holding more legitimacy than written laws.

Conventions were thought to increase parliamentary sovereignty or the unrestricted legal power of government, and to ensure accountability was fostered, allowing for a more powerful government.

. In comparative terms, what political system does Britain fall under?

A separation of powers system

A majoritarian system

A parliamentary democracy system

An institutional hybrid system

. What are the two types of democracy theorised by comparative scholar Lijphart (1999)?

Majoritarian and Collective

Electoral and Meritocratic

Majoritarian and Consensus

Meritocratic and Electoral

. What are the key features of the Westminster model?

Centralised strong Parliament at the centre with control over laws and policy, close scrutiny of the house of Lords responsible to the house of Commons, clear choices between government and credible opposition political parties (though there tends to be a two party system over long periods of time) and decisive electoral punishment by voters whose votes are decisive leading to a secure majority during elections

Centralised strong government at the centre with control over laws and policy, close scrutiny of the executive responsible to parliament, clear choices between government and credible opposition political parties during election time and decisive electoral punishment by voters who can use their choices to deliver either support or electoral defeat for the incumbent government
Incorrect

Strong fractionalised government at the centre with limited control over laws and policy, close scrutiny of the executive responsible to parliament, clear choices between government and credible opposition political parties during election time and decisive electoral punishment by voters who can use their choices to deliver either support or electoral defeat for the incumbent government

Weak fractionalised parliament at the centre with limited control over laws and policy, close scrutiny of the executive responsible to parliament, not so clear choices between government and credible opposition political parties during election time and decisive electoral punishment by voters who can use their choices to deliver either support or electoral defeat for the incumbent government

. The Principal-agent model originates from work by economist Coase (1937), showing how organisations internalise transaction costs to reduce the need for costly contracts with outside bodies. How is the principal-agent model helpful in politics?

The Principal-agent model helps the analysis of the relationships between key actors in the Westminster model. The principal commissions a service while the agent delivers it. The expertise of the agent creates an information asymmetry between the two actors which means the principal finds it hard to monitor the agent without costly acquisition of information.

The Principal-agent model helps the analysis of the relationships between key actors in government. The principal commissions a service while the agent delivers it. The expertise of the agent is completely known by the principal, justifying why the principal commissions the service from the agent in the first place.

The Principal-agent model helps the analysis of the relationships between key actors in the Westminster model. The principal commissions a service while the agent delivers it. This model helps us understand how principals delegate tasks to other actors within a political system, evidencing efficient hierarchy within politics.

The Principal-agent model helps the analysis of the relationships between key actors in government. The principal commissions a service while the agent delivers it. The model helps us understand the importance of agents and all the political actors that work behind the scenes for principal actors who are centre stage. For example, the model highlights the importance of civil servants.

. The idea that a single institution vested with power and regular elections can be held to account, partly because it cannot shift blame onto other actors, is called what?

Clarity of accountability

Clarity of blame

Clarity of responsibility

Clarity of duty

. Democratic scholar Runciman (2018) claims the British political system shows signs of backsliding. What does he mean by this?

Backsliding describes the gradual loss of essential features of democracy, such as the rule of law. It is about the acquisition of power by a narrow elite not interested in democratic accountability.

Backsliding describes the gradual loss of essential features of policymaking, such as checks and balances. It about the acquisition of power by a narrow elite not interested in legislative accountability.

Backsliding describes the gradual loss of essential features of meritocracy such as cronyism. It is about the acquisition of power by a narrow elite not interested in meritocratic accountability.

Backsliding describes the gradual loss of essential features of accountability, such as low turnout during elections. It is about the acquisition of power by a narrow elite not interested in accountability.

. MPs or members of the House of Lords who hold formal government (ministerial) or opposition posts and whose job it is to convey the party line, ensuring MPs vote accordingly, are called…

Backbenchers.

Cabinet Members.

Ministers.

Whips.

. What are the two conditions set out in the Fixed-term Parliament Act (2011) that permit a prime minister to call an election?

A 2/5 majority of MPs or a loss of a vote of confidence in Parliament

A 1/2 majority of MPs or a loss of a vote of confidence in government

A 1/4 majority of MPs or a loss of a vote of confidence in Parliament

A 2/3 majority of MPs or a loss of a vote of confidence in government

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