Conflict

Parliament in the United Kingdom

In this course, Dr Louise Thompson (University of Manchester) explores the role of parliament in the United Kingdom, focusing in particular on the relationship the executive and the legislative branches of government. In the first module, we think about when and how conflict occurs between government and parliament, and why it matters. After that, in the second module, we think about divisions in parliament and the ability of parliament to say no to government. In the third module, we explore the importance and role of political parties, before turning in the fourth module to the role of the House of Lords. Finally, in the fifth module, we think about Brexit and what it can tells us about the relationship between government and parliament.

Conflict

In this module, we think about types of conflict that occur between government and parliament in the United Kingdom, focusing in particular on: (i) why conflicts between the executive and the legislature are less common – or at least less visible – in the UK than in the US; (ii) the different stages of the legislative process; (iii) the importance of oral questions; (iv) the role of Select Committees, including the Liaison Committee; and (v) why conflict between government and parliament is necessary and useful in the proper functioning of the system.