Checks and Balances GapFill

One key check and balance on the executive is the process of  amendmentsjudicial reviewroyal prerogativejudicial neutrality on government actions which is carried out by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is comprised of  1271110 justices, who are highly qualified and experienced lawyers. The justices must maintain  royal prerogativeamendmentsjudicial neutralityjudicial review, meaning they cannot express political opinions or engage in any political activity. They must interpret the law free from political bias. They are also notable for their  ultra viresjudicial neutralityjudicial independenceroyal prerogative, meaning their appointment and position are entirely separate from the two other branches of government - the executive and legislature. Through judicial review, the Supreme Court can challenge government actions for illegality or not complying with the Human Rights Act or EU law. The Supreme Court can also rule on whether an individual has acted beyond their legal authority. This is known as the doctrine of  judicial reviewroyal prerogativeamendmentsultra vires. Such a ruling was unanimously reached in 2019 when Prime Minister Boris Johnson's five week prorogation of Parliament was deemed unlawful and thus void. The Supreme Court can also rule on issues of jurisdiction; for example, if there is a dispute between central government and a devolved administration.

The second key check and balance on the executive is Parliament. Reforms in recent years have in some respects increased the ability of Parliament to hold the executive to account. A key example of this is a new convention in which the government consults Parliament prior to launching military action, despite this being a power of  royal prerogativeultra viresjudicial reviewamendments. This convention has been established since the Iraq War and saw the Coalition Government defeated in 2013 over military action in Syria. Additionally, the  Procedure CommitteeBackbench Business CommitteeCabinet OfficeAdministration Committee was set up in 2010 and is responsible for setting the agenda in Parliament roughly one day a week based upon the priorities of backbenchers. Thus, this is a means for Parliament to regularly decide its own agenda independently from government. Also, since 2010 the chairs of select committees have been chosen by all Members of Parliament. Finally, the House of Lords is notable for becoming more active in suggesting  judicial reviewultra viresamendmentsroyal prerogative and opposing bills over the past decade. While the Lords cannot reject legislation, it has been able to place increased scrutiny and pressure on the government.