UNIT 3
| Content outline | Key concepts | Content explanation |
|
Do elections change anything? |
party system electoral reform |
- this unit builds on the
knowledge of concepts and institutions developed inUnits 1 and 2. - a knowledge of the impact of recent general elections and, in particular, of the changing party system. An ability to discuss the adequacy of the electoral system for the House ofCommons and the case for electoralreform. |
|
Is there a need for constitutional reform? |
constitutional reform parliamentary reform pluralism |
- a knowledge of, and ability
to evaluate, the constitutional reforms that have been introduced in
recent years or are on the political agenda,notably ones that affect the
power and accountability of the executive and the role and effectiveness of Parliament. - a knowledge of the different views on constitutional reform of the major parties. |
|
How united is the UK? |
devolution federalism nationalism regionalism local democracy |
- a knowledge of the
devolution process and of the impact of the territorial distribution of
power on the integrity of the UK, particularly in terms of the
relationship between devolved bodies and central government. - a knowledge of the forces and factors that are fuelling decentralisation in the UK and an ability to discuss the adequacy of different constitutionalsolutions in different parts of the UK. |
|
How has EU membership affected the political system? |
national sovereignty European federalism |
- a knowledge of the
developing relationship between the UK and the EU, and of the general
political and constitutional implications of EU membership for the UK
system, especially in relation to the issue of sovereignty. - a general knowledge of differing positions within and between major parties in relation to the EU. |