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Politics: Comparative Theories - Structural Theory

This is a quiz based on Structural Theory, which is covered in the AQA A-Level Politics Specification. Please note that this particular quiz is smaller than the other comparative theory quizzes since many of the areas covered in Structural Theory are also covered in many other areas of the specification. Thus, this quiz is more of a summary of what areas Structural Theory covers: Legislatures Constitutions Structural Theory Federalism/Devolution
Quiz by billyn
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Last updated: December 29, 2023
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First submittedDecember 29, 2023
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Hint
Structural Theory
This theory focuses primarily on institutions and their structure, their formal and outward appearance:
-It is most logically applied to topics such as constitutions and legislatures.
-Examples include the ways in which constitutions can be amended or the powers possessed by different chambers in a legislature.
-If politics were a play, this theory could be said to represent the script.
Constitutions
In the UK:
-It is uncodified - easy to amend formally as it only takes an ‘Act of Parliament’, so is flexible.
-Since it is easy to amend, it is also easy to change and update historical clauses that no longer prove helpful or relevant and are seen as anachronistic.
-It establishes a partial separation of powers - a fusion of powers between the executive (PM & Cabinet) and the legislature (Parliament), and a separation of powers between the judiciary and the legislature.
-Establishes a unitary state (structure), though with a growing role for devolved institutions.
-Establishes Parliament (more accurately the 'Crown' in Parliament) as sovereign.
-There is often a lack of clarity and precision in some roles and practices, so convention often becomes very important in the absence of clear and entrenched procedures.
-There is also some piecemeal codification as with the ‘Cabinet Manual’.

In the US:
-It is codified, meaning that its contents are more accessible and better known.
-Being codified also means it is hard to amend as it requires the approval of super-majorities in both chambers of Congress, and also from individual states. Thus, it can be described as rigid.
-Due to its rigidness, it is much harder to remove or revise historical clauses that no longer seem appropriate or desirable in the 21st century.
-It holds sovereignty.
-It establishes a separation of powers - the judiciary, the legislature and the executive are all separate with 'checks and balances' established.
-It establishes a federal state (federalism) - particularly in the Tenth Amendment.
-The Articles of it are very precise in places, for example, the roles and duties of each branch, though some of the terminology can be ‘grey and vague’ - like the Second Amendment: 'A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.'.

In the UK and US, neither a fusion of powers nor a separation of powers is completely embodied.
Answer
Hint
Federalism/Devolution
In the UK:
-Devolution is only granted by parliamentary statute and therefore is not entrenched.
-Devolution doesn't apply uniformly across the nation - it only applies to parts of the UK and devolved powers remain relatively limited.

In the US:
-The Tenth Amendment embeds federalism, meaning that every state retains considerable law-making powers.
-Federalism applies uniformly across the nation.
Legislatures
In the UK:
-The House of Commons is the dominant Chamber in Parliament. Since the 1911 Parliament Act, the House of Lords has had very few real powers and can't veto legislation.
-The executive (Prime Minister) is found in the legislature.
-Every member of a Prime Minister's cabinet must be in Parliament (either the Commons or Lords) and directly answerable to it.
-Although the situation is changing in the UK, Westminster still dominates most areas of political life, especially over issues such as foreign affairs, national defence and the budget.

In the US:
-Both parts of Congress enjoy significant concurrent powers above all over legislation, which both chambers must approve.
-Both chambers of Congress have powerful committees - House committees can instigate impeachment proceedings, while the Senate Judiciary Committee plays an important preliminary role in the confirmation of judicial nominations.
-The executive (President) is entirely separate from the legislature.
-No member of the US Cabinet can also be in Congress.
-More power lies with the 50 states, meaning Congress is not the only important political arena.
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