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This notion formed a core tenet of what became the dominant organising perspective of the British political system - the Westminster model of government. There are various versions of the model, but Box 1 identifies its key characteristics:
Box 1: The Westminster Model THE WESTMINSTER MODEL
WestminsterWhitehallParliamentary SovereigntyPermanenceGoverning Party with a majority in the House of Commons
Anonymity
Cabinet Ministers have collective responsibility
Neutrality
Party discipline maintained
Expertise/knowledge
Voters offered choice between disciplined parties
Informal 'village-like' networks
Accountability through free and fair elections
Accountability to political masters
Delivers strong Cabinet Government [Executive Dominance]
Public Service Ethos - ensures defence of the public interest
The principle of Parliamentary Sovereignty underpins the model, but the way the system operates is based on two linked characteristics: a first-past-the-post electoral system which, while holding the executive accountable at periodic free and fair elections, almost inevitably gives one party an overall majority; and strong party discipline, that together with the electoral system, produces majority government and executive dominance of the legislature. In addition, sovereignty presumes both the unitary and territorial integrity of the British state. The model characterises a closed and elitist system of policy making, legitimised by the principle of ministerial responsibility, regular elections and the notion of a public service ethos which presents an image of civil servants working for the public good and not their own self-interest. The decision making process is based on officials marshalling the facts, warning ministers of the pitfalls of various options and ministers making decisions that they are accountable for, first to Parliament and then the electorate.
The key normative element of the model is that political power is centred on Westminster and Whitehall. It implicitly espouses the view that 'government knows best', where governing is essentially a process of 'one way traffic', from those governing [the Government] to those being governed [society]. It presents a specific view of the nature of power which is elitist, hierarchical and top-down. Politics is a zero-sum game with the Prime Minister dominating ministers, ministers dominating civil servants and central government (the core executive) dominating local government. This reinforces the notion of Britain as a strong, unitary state in which the power invested in the government remains largely unfettered. While it is recognised that the Westminster Model, as with all models, is only intended to represent an 'ideal type' and so oversimplifies the reality of how British politics operates, it nevertheless captures a number of essential characteristics of the British system of government.
What else can I help you with?
What is the highest court of appeals under the English Westminster model?
The highest court of appeals in the English Westminster model of government is the House of Lords.
How did the parliament become the model for future representative institution?
Due to the history and influence of the British Empire,the British parliament has become a model for many other national legislatures.This model is referred to as the Westminster system because the UK Parliament is located in the City of Westminster.
How did English parliament become the model for future representative institutions?
Due to the history and influence of the British Empire,the British parliament has become a model for many other national legislatures.This model is referred to as the Westminster system because the UK Parliament is located in the City of Westminster.
How did the English parliaments become the model for future representatives institution?
Due to the history and influence of the British Empire,the British parliament has become a model for many other national legislatures.This model is referred to as the Westminster system because the UK Parliament is located in the City of Westminster.
How did the English parliament become the model for future represantative institutions?
Due to the history and influence of the British Empire,the British parliament has become a model for many other national legislatures.This model is referred to as the Westminster system because the UK Parliament is located in the City of Westminster.
How did the English Parliament become the model for future representative institution?
Due to the history and influence of the British Empire,the British parliament has become a model for many other national legislatures.This model is referred to as the Westminster system because the UK Parliament is located in the City of Westminster.
How did English parliament become the model for future representative institution?
Due to the history and influence of the British Empire,the British parliament has become a model for many other national legislatures.This model is referred to as the Westminster system because the UK Parliament is located in the City of Westminster.
How did the English parliament become the model for the future representative institutions?
Due to the history and influence of the British Empire,the British parliament has become a model for many other national legislatures.This model is referred to as the Westminster system because the UK Parliament is located in the City of Westminster.
How did the English Parliaments become the model for future representative institutions?
Due to the history and influence of the British Empire,the British parliament has become a model for many other national legislatures.This model is referred to as the Westminster system because the UK Parliament is located in the City of Westminster.
How did the English parliament become model for future representative institutions?
Due to the history and influence of the British Empire,the British parliament has become a model for many other national legislatures.This model is referred to as the Westminster system because the UK Parliament is located in the City of Westminster.
How did the English parliament become the model for future representative institutions?
Due to the history and influence of the British Empire,the British parliament has become a model for many other national legislatures.This model is referred to as the Westminster system because the UK Parliament is located in the City of Westminster.
Difference between one party system and a Westminster model of government?
A one party system is not always democratic as all the leaders belong in the same party and may not be able to check the government. The Westminster system on the other hand allows for competitive politics and cooperation among several parties.
