How did the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 change the Prime Minister's power to call elections?

It removed the PM's Royal Prerogative power to unilaterally dissolve Parliament. Instead, elections were set on a fixed 5-year cycle, with early elections requiring a 2/3 Commons majority or a vote of no confidence.

What is the difference between the 2011 AV Referendum and the 2016 Brexit Referendum in terms of constitutional impact?

The 2011 AV Referendum resulted in a rejection of change, maintaining the existing First-Past-The-Post system. The 2016 referendum (post-coalition) resulted in a mandate for fundamental constitutional withdrawal from the EU.

Compare the Scotland Act 2012 with previous devolution measures.

The 2012 Act focused on 'fiscal devolution,' granting the Scottish Parliament powers to set income tax rates and borrow money. Previous measures (like the 1998 Act) focused primarily on administrative and legislative competence.

What is a common misconception regarding the House of Lords reform during the Coalition?

Many believe the House of Lords was successfully turned into an elected chamber. In reality, the major reform bill was withdrawn due to Conservative backbench opposition, leaving only minor administrative changes like the 2014 Reform Act.

Why is it incorrect to say the Recall of MPs Act 2015 allows voters to remove an MP for their voting record?

The Act only applies in cases of specific misconduct, such as a prison sentence or a suspension from the House. It does not allow for 'policy-based' recall where voters simply disagree with an MP's political decisions.

What error do students make when discussing the 'Referendum Lock' of 2011?

Students often confuse it with the 2016 EU Referendum. The 2011 'Referendum Lock' was a legal requirement that *any future* treaty transferring power to the EU must be approved by a referendum; it did not mandate the 2016 vote itself.

Define the 'Referendum Lock' introduced by the European Union Act 2011.

It is a legal provision stating that any future treaty or amendment that transfers new powers or areas of competence from the UK to the European Union must be approved by a national referendum.

What is the '14-day rule' in the context of the Fixed-term Parliaments Act?

If a government loses a vote of no confidence, there is a 14-day window to form a new government that can win a vote of confidence. If no such government is formed within that period, an early general election is triggered.

What are Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs)?

Directly elected officials introduced in 2012 to oversee local police forces in England and Wales. They are responsible for setting police priorities, managing budgets, and holding the Chief Constable to account.

Why did the Liberal Democrats prioritize the AV Referendum in the Coalition agreement?

The Liberal Democrats sought to move away from First-Past-The-Post, which they argued unfairly penalized third parties. They viewed AV as a stepping stone toward full proportional representation.

Constitutional Change From 2010 - 2015 (Coalition) | Pearson Edexcel A-Level Politics

2. UK Government & Non-Core Political Ideas

Constitutional Change From 2010 - 2015 (Coalition)

Summary

The period of the Conservative-Liberal Democrat Coalition (2010-2015) marked a significant era of constitutional reform in the United Kingdom. Driven by the need for political stability and the Liberal Democrats' long-standing reform agenda, the government introduced measures to limit executive power, enhance local accountability, and redefine the relationship between the UK and the European Union.

1. Definition & Core Concepts

Coalition Constitutionalism: This refers to the unique set of reforms negotiated between the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties to ensure the stability of their power-sharing agreement. The reforms were designed to prevent either party from unilaterally collapsing the government or calling a snap election for partisan gain.
Executive Constraint: A central theme of this period was the movement away from the 'elective dictatorship' model. Reforms sought to transfer specific powers from the Prime Minister's Royal Prerogative to the statutory control of Parliament.
Democratic Accountability: The government introduced mechanisms to give citizens more direct influence over their representatives. This included new powers to remove underperforming MPs and the introduction of directly elected officials for local services.

2. The Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011

Flowchart showing the two legal triggers for an early general election under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011.

3. Electoral & Parliamentary Reform

Alternative Vote (AV) Referendum 2011: As a condition of the coalition, a referendum was held on changing the voting system from First-Past-The-Post to the Alternative Vote. The proposal was decisively rejected by the public (68% No), maintaining the status quo for Westminster elections.
Recall of MPs Act 2015: This legislation introduced a mechanism for constituents to remove an MP before the end of their term. If an MP is sentenced to prison or suspended from the House for at least 10 sitting days, a petition is opened; if 10% of eligible voters sign it, a by-election is triggered.
House of Lords Reform: The Coalition attempted to introduce a mostly elected House of Lords. However, this failed due to a rebellion by Conservative backbenchers, resulting only in minor changes like the House of Lords Reform Act 2014, which allowed peers to resign or be removed for non-attendance.

4. Devolution & Localism

5. Key Distinctions

6. Exam Strategy & Tips