How Powerful Is Parliament?

The effectiveness of parliament in ensuring the executive accountable depends on what expectations are held about Parliament's role in British Politics today. It is not unusual for Parliament to be bypassed and, therefore, to have less of an essential function than in earlier periods. The growth, specialisation and professionalisation of the civil service, the increased influence of pressure groups on ministers and departments and the impact of the mass media have all contributed to this apparent decline. Looking at the party system in Parliament, it is certainly unrealistic for Parliament to govern the country or to control the government.

All proposals to change the law have to be passed by Parliament. However, this really means that Parliament gives its approval to measures which have been drawn up elsewhere. As far as domestic legislation goes, Parliament is, at most, a reviser of Bills that are prepared in Whitehall and given priority by the government.