Dissolution of parliament

Definition

The dissolution of parliament is the formal process by which a sitting parliament is terminated, leading to a general election. This process is a critical aspect of the political system, as it signals the end of the current legislative session and allows for the formation of a new parliament, reflecting changes in public opinion or political dynamics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The power to dissolve parliament is historically rooted in the royal prerogative but has evolved over time with parliamentary conventions and legislation.
2. In recent times, the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 established a framework for regular elections every five years, limiting the monarch's power to dissolve parliament at will.
3. Dissolution can occur automatically following a general election or be triggered by specific circumstances, such as a vote of no confidence against the government.
4. Once parliament is dissolved, all current members lose their seats, and candidates must run again to be re-elected in the subsequent general election.
5. Dissolution affects not only the legislative agenda but also political strategies, as parties must prepare for campaigning and reevaluation of their positions before elections.

Review Questions

• What is the process and significance of dissolving parliament in relation to legislative functions?
  • Dissolving parliament is a key step in the political process that leads to general elections. It signifies the end of a legislative session where existing laws can no longer be debated or passed, forcing parties to realign their strategies for upcoming elections. The significance lies in its ability to reflect public sentiment and political changes, potentially altering the composition and direction of future governance.
• Analyze how changes in laws regarding parliamentary dissolution have impacted the relationship between the monarchy and government power.
  • Changes in laws surrounding parliamentary dissolution, particularly with the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011, have altered the traditional relationship between the monarchy and government. By establishing fixed terms for elections, this legislation has reduced the monarch's unilateral power to dissolve parliament, thereby reinforcing parliamentary sovereignty. This shift highlights a move towards greater democratic principles where elected officials hold more influence over electoral timing.
• Evaluate the implications of automatic dissolution versus discretionary dissolution on political accountability and stability within the UK government.
  • The distinction between automatic and discretionary dissolution carries significant implications for political accountability and stability. Automatic dissolution promotes predictability in election cycles, ensuring that governments remain accountable to voters at regular intervals. In contrast, discretionary dissolution can lead to instability if used strategically by governments seeking to capitalize on favorable conditions. This balance affects public trust in governance and influences how parties strategize their policies and campaigns.

Related terms

General Election: A general election is an election in which members of parliament are elected, typically held at regular intervals following the dissolution of parliament.

Royal Prerogative: The royal prerogative refers to the powers and privileges that are traditionally exercised by the monarch, including the authority to dissolve parliament and call for elections.

Confidence Vote: A confidence vote is a parliamentary vote that determines whether the government still has the support of the majority of members; failure to win a confidence vote can lead to dissolution.