Conventions and democracy

The purpose of this article is to consider how the introduction of a special Parliamentary select committee could extend democratic influences in the evolution of binding non-legal constitutional practices.1 Following a consideration of other possible avenues of reform, it will be suggested that whilst political actors should continue both to initiate new conventional practices, and to interpret and to adapt existing ones, an enhanced parliamentary engagement in the scrutiny of conventions would contribute to a more accountable government. There should be a systematic parliamentary participation in the debate surrounding the evolution and interpretation of conventions, which would require the executive to justify and explain constitutional change. A unique kind of select committee having special orders of reference is proposed to fulfil these purposes.