Constitutional reform since 1997
Constitutional reform since 1997 - paragraph completion
3 paragraphs argue one side. You write the rebuttal and the interim judgement.
How this works. Each pre-written opening argues one side of the theme. Your job is the rebuttal: answer it with the named cases, then end on an interim judgement. Your writing saves on this device.
Paragraph 1 · theme: Improved democracy
Evaluate the view that constitutional reform since 1997 has been effective.
The opening (given) - rebut this
Improved democracy is often used to argue the view. Constitutional Reform Act (2005): Indirect - a structural reform voters barely noticed. FTPA (2011-2022): Promised stability, delivered the 2019 deadlock. Read alone, these make the case look one-sided.
Your task - write the rebuttal
Answer back using the cases that point the other way: Devolution (1998) (Brought decisions closer to voters in three nations - with referendum consent each time.); Labour programme (2024-) (Votes at 16 proposed; hereditary peers removed.); Lords reform (1999 / 2024) (Heredity removed in two stages (1999, 2024).). Finish with an interim judgement that backs your line of argument.
Paragraph 2 · theme: Dispersed power
Evaluate the view that constitutional reform since 1997 has been effective.
The opening (given) - rebut this
Dispersed power is often used to argue the view. FTPA (2011-2022): Took dissolution from the PM, then gave it back (2022). Lords reform (1999 / 2024): Composition changed; powers did not move. Read alone, these make the case look one-sided.
Your task - write the rebuttal
Answer back using the cases that point the other way: Constitutional Reform Act (2005) (Judicial independence separated from executive and legislature.); Devolution (1998) (The biggest dispersal of power from the centre since 1972.); Human Rights Act (1998) (Power shifted towards judges - by Parliament's own choice.). Finish with an interim judgement that backs your line of argument.
Paragraph 3 · theme: Completed
Evaluate the view that constitutional reform since 1997 has been effective.
The opening (given) - rebut this
Completed is often used to argue the view. Human Rights Act (1998): Permanently contested - repeal attempted 2022, disapplied in part 2024. Devolution (1998): England left out - the asymmetry is the era's unfinished business. Lords reform (1999 / 2024): No elected element; bishops, appointments and size untouched. Read alone, these make the case look one-sided.
Your task - write the rebuttal
Answer back using the cases that point the other way: FTPA (2011-2022) (In one sense: repealed - the experiment ended cleanly.); Constitutional Reform Act (2005) (The rare completed reform of the era.). Finish with an interim judgement that backs your line of argument.