Using Powers More Effectively

It is not always possible, necessary, or even desirable for legislatures to expand their powers in order to be more effective.  At times they may simply need to use the powers they possess more effectively.  Most of the dramatic expansion of the powers of the Mexican Congress, for example, has occurred without legal changes.  Political changes made it possible to the Congress to use powers it had not used before. 

Parliaments are also learning that even without expanding their formal powers; they can help bring about change by working closely with the press.  Media publication of the Kenya Anticorruption Committee’s “List of Shame” (2000) pressured the government to reduce corrupt activities.    Public accounts committees without censure or enforcement powers, for example, might still pressure government to reduce corruption by publicizing the findings and conclusions of their investigations.  Parliaments worldwide use public hearings, including budget hearings, to pressure government through the press coverage that hearings receive.  Kenya’s Parliament has not amended its legislative or budget powers, but within the past five years has begun introducing – and passing – private member bills, and making significant changes to government tax policies.