Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act

Definition

The Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act is a legislative measure that governs the procedures for dissolving Parliament and calling for new elections in the UK. This act aims to establish a more structured approach to the timing of elections, ensuring that the dissolution of Parliament occurs at set intervals unless specific conditions are met, thus enhancing the predictability and organization of the electoral process.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act was enacted in 2011, replacing the previous practice where the Prime Minister could request a dissolution at any time.
2. Under this act, general elections are scheduled every five years, starting from the last general election, unless there are exceptional circumstances such as a vote of no confidence.
3. The act aimed to reduce political manipulation by providing a fixed timetable for elections, making it harder for governments to call snap elections for their advantage.
4. It specifies that early elections can still be called if two-thirds of MPs vote in favor or if a vote of no confidence is passed and no alternative government is formed within 14 days.
5. This act marked a significant shift in constitutional conventions surrounding parliamentary dissolution and aimed to create a more transparent electoral process.

Review Questions

• How does the Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act change the relationship between Parliament and the Prime Minister regarding elections?
  • The Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act limits the Prime Minister's power by establishing fixed terms for elections rather than allowing them to call for dissolutions at will. This shift means that elections are more predictable and scheduled every five years unless certain conditions arise. It reduces the likelihood of political maneuvering where governments could previously time elections to their advantage, promoting a more democratic electoral process.
• Discuss how the introduction of fixed-term Parliaments has impacted electoral administration in the UK.
  • The introduction of fixed-term Parliaments through this act has streamlined electoral administration in the UK by providing a clear schedule for when elections will occur. This predictability allows electoral bodies to better plan and allocate resources for elections, enhancing logistical efficiency. It also sets expectations for parties and voters alike regarding when they will have the opportunity to participate in democratic processes.
• Evaluate the implications of allowing early elections under certain conditions as outlined in the Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act on parliamentary sovereignty.
  • Allowing early elections under specific circumstances maintains a balance between parliamentary sovereignty and accountability. By requiring either a two-thirds majority vote or a successful vote of no confidence, this provision ensures that extraordinary circumstances warrant extraordinary measures. This creates a safeguard against arbitrary dissolutions while still allowing for flexibility in governance. It reflects an adaptation of constitutional principles that prioritize democratic responsiveness while protecting against potential abuses of power.

Related terms

Fixed-term Parliaments: A principle established by the Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act that mandates general elections to occur every five years, providing stability in the electoral calendar.

Parliament Act 1911: An act that introduced significant changes to the legislative process in the UK, including reducing the power of the House of Lords to block legislation, which complements the framework set by later acts regarding parliamentary dissolution.

General Election: A nationwide election held to choose Members of Parliament (MPs) for constituencies across the UK, which is initiated following the dissolution of Parliament.