A2 Politics: Hilarious, or the real reason why Europe won't work?

Click here to access an article about a row that has erupted between Russia and Azerbaijan over the Eurovision song contest, with the Russian foreign minister accusing the Azerbaijanis of vote-rigging.

Sergei Lavrov said Russia should have been awarded ten points by Azerbaijan, not zero. He said the points had been "stolen" from Russia's contender, Dina Garipova.

''This outrageous action will not remain without a response,'' he added.

Unit 2: Last minute exam help

Click here to access an article on the recent arguments in the Conservative party over the EU. Essential application for questions on Backbench power, Prime Ministerial power, effectivenemss of Parliament etc.

Another article here on argument over same sex marriage. Again, useful for power, or lack of, that Cameron has over his party and the fact that backbenches and grass roots Tories (Essentially party members) actually can have.

One more article on the actual EU issue. Again essential reading for any questions on the above, but also on Constitutional reform.

Coalition proposals

It is very likely that you will have to consider the impact of the Coalition on government, executive and constitutional reform. Below is a list of areas that the coalition have wanted to address. You should be able to discuss if they have managed any of this so far...

The introduction of fixed term parliaments and the introduction of an enhanced majority requirement for a successful vote of no confidence. Some dispute over methods of ending a parliament early.

The possible introduction of AV. Hugely controversial between parties and within the Conservatives. Controversy settled by the referendum.

The completion of House of Lords reform, introducing a partially elected chamber.

Agreement ‘officially’ between the main parties, but great controversy with the Conservative Party and between Lords and Commons.

The equalisation of parliamentary constituency sizes. Some Labour accusations of gerrymandering.  

Reduction in the size of the Commons.   

Power of recall of MPs by constituencies.   

The possible introduction of elected mayors and police commissioners for large cities.

Various proposals concerning devolution  

The introduction of the backbench business committee

Any other valid constitutional proposals (such as a British Bill of Rights) can be credited.

Unit 2: Back Benches get some back bone!

Click here to access todays article on the BBC website regrading the latest issues with the EU split in the Conservative party.

It is an excellent example of issues of power within government. If you are in school today, please come and talk to me about it.

Unit 2: Prime Ministerial power and the Tory split on Europe!

Click here to access an article of the recent problems David Cameron is having regarding his party and Europe. (Thank you Jacob Jowitt)

Several Tory MP's have voiced their opinion on the EU and they are not all singing from the same Hymn sheet!

It is clear that this, along with a coalition government are effecting Camerons power as PM....useful evidence for any question on this topic!

Unit 2: Jan 2007 Old Syllabus Past Question and Mark scheme

Jan 07 old syllabus from mattbentley34

Jan 07 old syllabus from mattbentley34

Unit 2: Specimen Paper Mark Scheme - Essays

Unit 2 specimen paper 1 from mattbentley34

Unit 2: Specimen Paper Mark Scheme

Unit 2 specimen paper from mattbentley34

Unit 2: The Executive and the prime Minister - PPT

Click here to access ppt slides on the executive & prime minister functions & powers.

Unit 2: Select Committees - excellent video

To understand the work of the Committee system in the House of Commons: Questions: To what extent does Parliament control executive power? (40 Marks) How effective are backbench MP's? (40 Marks) To what extent does the prime minister dominate the political system in the UK? (40 Marks) To what extent does Parliament control executive power? (40 Marks) Is the UK Prime Minister now effectively a president? (40 Marks)

Unit 1: Council Elections 2013

Click here to access an interactive guide with political analysis and comment on the recent council elections. Interesting results, Conservatives losing ground (as expected), UKIP making great gains (not quite as expected).

Unit 2: Parliamentary Sovereignty

Thanks to Qasim for finding this excellent summary of factors affecting Parliamentary Sovereignty in the UK...

Parliamentary sovereignty 

Parliamentary sovereignty is a principle of the UK constitution. It makes Parliament the supreme legal authority in the UK, which can create or end any law. Generally, the courts cannot overrule its legislation and no Parliament can pass laws that future Parliaments cannot change. Parliamentary sovereignty is the most important part of the UK constitution.

Parliamentary sovereignty and the UK constitution

People often refer to the UK having an 'unwritten constitution' but that's not strictly true. It may not exist in a single text, like in the USA or Germany, but large parts of it are written down, much of it in the laws passed in Parliament - known as statute law.

Therefore, the UK constitution is often described as 'partly written and wholly uncodified'. (Uncodified means that the UK does not have a single, written constitution.)

Developments affecting Parliamentary sovereignty

Over the years, Parliament has passed laws that limit the application of parliamentary sovereignty. These laws reflect political developments both within and outside the UK.

They include:

• The devolution of power to bodies like the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly.
• The Human Rights Act 1998.
• The UK's entry to the European Union in 1973.
• The decision to establish a UK Supreme Court in 2009, which ends the House of Lords function as the UK's final court of appeal.

These developments do not fundamentally undermine the principle of parliamentary sovereignty, since, in theory at least, Parliament could repeal any of the laws implementing these changes.

You coukld also include the executive and not Parliament is actually sovereign as it is they who have become more powerful over the years.

Unit 2: Obama's speech at the Correspondents dinner

A tenuous link to Prime Minister Vs Presidential power. Still, ecxam focus or not, it is an excellent speech.