parliament

Parliament

the British legislature made up of the house of commons

House of Commons

the primary chamber of the legislature

House of Lords

the second chamber of the legislature

Backbenchers

MP's who are not in a ministerial position. Their main role is to represent their constituents and support the leaders of their respected party. They aren't members of the government or opposition front bench.

Opposition

the party with the second largest majority in the chamber who criticise the government.

The Main Functions of Parliament

• passing legislation

• scrutiny

• providing ministers

• representing the electorate

Select Committees

shadow the government departments by investigating and creating reports. They consist of backbench MP's.

Confidence and Supply

an informal coalition agreement sometimes used in the event of a hung parliament

Legislative bills

Proposed laws passing through Parliament.

Legislative Process

• first reading

• second reading

• committee stage

• report stage

• third reading

• royal assent

Public Bill Committees

Committees responsible for looking at bills in detail.

Parliamentary Privilege

The right of MPs or Lords to make certain statements within Parliament without being subject to outside influence

Prime Minister's Questions

takes place every week and gives MP's the opportunity to criticise and question the executive.

How many MPs are there?

650

Party Whips

senior mps whose role is to keep party discipline

The Speaker

he or she is elected by MPs

Hereditary Peers

they inherit the title from their fathers and will pass it down to their own child.

How Many Hereditary Peers Are There?

92

Life Peers

appointed for life by party leaders and an Appointments Commission

Functions of the House of Commons

• legitimation: making laws

• accountability: act on behalf of the people.

• scrutiny: examine legislation

• constituency work: ensure interests of constituents are protected

• representation of interests: protect their own interests

• national debate

Functions of the House of Lords

• revising legislation

• delaying by veto

• secondary legislation

• national debate

Ten Minute Rule Debate

an opportunity for backbench MPs to raise an issue of importance to them.

Adjournment Debate

when parliament has spare time at the end of a debate

Democratic Legitimacy

authority a body gains if it is elected and accountable to the people

Which Chamber has Democratic Legitimacy?

house of commons

The Salisbury Convention

the lords cannot obstruct any proposed legislation that was contained in the government's manifesto.

1911 and 1949 Parliament Acts

the lords can only delay legislation for one year and have no legislative control over financial matters.

Examples of Weaknesses of the Commons

• MPs are expected to be loyal to their party

• it is hard to pass legislation without a decisive majority

• MPs lack research facilities

• there are few opportunities for MPs to raise issues on the floor of the house

Examples of Strengths of the Commons

• MPs can be influential in select committees

• collectively MPs can get rid of government

• MPs can attract considerable public and media attention

• without a majority in the commons

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC)

• scrutinises value for money: the economy

Example of a Key PAC Investigation

2016 - google's tax affairs

The Liaison Committee

Committee that includes the chairs of all select committees and questions the prime minister on public policy twice a year

The Backbench Business Committee

determines the business of the house for more than 20 days a year. it decides what backbenchers will debate on those days

Example of a Departmental Committee Report

2016 work and pensions committee investigated the collapse of BHS and the loss of the employee's pension fund. the company was reported to the pensions regulator.

Supply Days

parliamentary days which are under the control of opposition parties rather than government.

Roles of the Opposition

• forcing the government to explain and justify its policies and decisions

• highlighting the government's shortcomings

• presenting alternative proposals

• making itself ready to be an alternative government

What obstacles do the private members bills encounter?

-Filibuster -limited time given -many mps may have already returned to their constituents may not be a sufficient number present for a division (vote) which is necessary for a bill to progress

What is secondary legislation?

Delegated legislation