Parliament General knowledge

What is Parliament's primary role in the UK?

Parliament is the supreme legislative body that makes and amends laws, scrutinizes government policy, and represents the interests of citizens.

What are the two houses of Parliament?

The House of Commons and the House of Lords.

What is the House of Commons?

The elected chamber of Parliament, composed of Members of Parliament (MPs) who represent constituencies across the UK.

What is the House of Lords?

The appointed chamber of Parliament, consisting of life peers, hereditary peers, and bishops, which revises and scrutinizes legislation.

What is the role of MPs in the House of Commons?

MPs debate and vote on proposed legislation, scrutinize government actions, and represent the interests of their constituencies.

What is the role of the House of Lords?

The House of Lords revises, scrutinizes, and suggests amendments to bills passed by the House of Commons but cannot ultimately block legislation.

What is the role of the Prime Minister in Parliament?

The Prime Minister is the leader of the government, and their role within Parliament is to propose legislation, lead the executive, and manage the government's agenda.

What is the role of the Speaker of the House of Commons?

The Speaker maintains order during debates, ensures fairness, and represents the House of Commons to the Crown and the House of Lords.

What are Select Committees?

Committees made up of MPs that scrutinize government actions, examine specific policies, and hold ministers to account.

What is a General Election?

A national election in which MPs are elected to represent constituencies, typically held every five years.

What is a By-election?

A special election held when a seat in the House of Commons becomes vacant between general elections.

What is the role of Whips in Parliament?

Whips ensure party discipline, ensuring MPs vote in line with party policies and attend important votes.

What is the significance of Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs)?

PMQs is a weekly event in which the Prime Minister answers questions from MPs, especially the leader of the opposition, providing an opportunity for government accountability.

What is Parliamentary Sovereignty?

The principle that Parliament has the ultimate authority to make or unmake any law, and that no other body can override its decisions.

What is a Confidence Vote?

A vote to determine if the government still has the support of the majority of MPs. Losing a confidence vote may result in the government's resignation.

What is the process for a bill to become law?

A bill must pass through several stages in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords before receiving Royal Assent and becoming law.

What is a Government Bill?

A bill introduced by a government minister, which has a higher chance of becoming law due to the government's majority in the Commons.

What is a Private Member’s Bill?

A bill introduced by an MP or peer who is not part of the government, often on issues that the government has not prioritized.

What are the Parliament Acts of 1911 and 1949?

These Acts limit the power of the House of Lords to delay legislation passed by the House of Commons, and they ensure the Commons can override the Lords’ veto after one year.

What is the role of the Opposition in Parliament?

The Opposition critiques government policies, proposes alternative policies, and holds the government accountable through questioning and scrutiny.

What is the role of Parliamentary Conventions?

Parliamentary conventions are unwritten rules that shape the behavior of MPs and the functioning of Parliament, such as the tradition of the Prime Minister being an MP.

What is the role of the Judiciary in relation to Parliament?

The Judiciary can review laws passed by Parliament to ensure they comply with constitutional principles, such as human rights and European law.

What is Devolution?

Devolution refers to the transfer of certain powers from Westminster to the governments of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, reducing Parliament's sovereignty in some areas.