Parliament - UK

What is the role of the Official Opposition?

To scrutinise and oppose the Government, provide alternatives, and support the Government on occasion.

How does the opposition scrutinise government policy in Parliament?

By voting against government proposals, putting amendments on legislation, questioning ministers, and proposing its own legislation.

What are 'Salaried Members' in the context of the Opposition?

Members like the Leader and Chief Whip of the Opposition who receive a salary for their roles.

What is 'Short Money'?

State funding allocated to the Opposition party based on the number of seats and votes won in the last election.

Why might some members of the opposition be appointed as privy counsellors?

To provide them with access and influence within the governmental framework due to their roles.

How did the opposition respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2022?

The Labour Party consistently voted with the Conservative Government on restrictions during the pandemic.

What is the function of the Shadow Cabinet?

To examine the work of each government department and develop policies in specific areas.

How can the effectiveness of the Opposition be limited?

A government with a large majority can largely ignore the Opposition, and a poor leader can undermine the Opposition's credibility.

What tools does the Opposition have to oppose government actions?

Opportunities for parliamentary debate, access to media, and specific funding resources like Short Money.

Which parties worked together during the Scottish Independence Referendum in 2013?

Conservative, Labour, and Liberal Democrat parties.

What do supporters of a wholly elected House of Lords argue?

Only elections bring legitimacy, and an elected House would better challenge executive power.

What are the key arguments against a wholly elected House of Lords?

It would create conflicts of legitimacy with the House of Commons, leading to legislative gridlock and losing the expertise of appointed members.

Define 'Public Bill'.

A proposal for a new law or change to a current law that concerns a general issue of public policy and is introduced by a government minister.

What is a Green Paper?

A government document setting out various options for legislation and inviting comment.

Describe the stages a bill goes through in parliament.

First reading, second reading, committee stage, report stage, third reading, and then consideration in the House of Lords.

What are select committees responsible for?

Scrutinising the work of a government department and holding the government accountable for its policies and decision-making.

Outline the concept of the 'payroll vote'.

A group of MPs from the ruling party who hold government positions and are expected to vote in support of the government.

What is the role of parliamentary scrutiny?

To examine policies and hold the executive accountable to parliament and the electorate.

Differentiate between primary legislation and secondary legislation.

Primary legislation is enacted by parliament, while secondary legislation is made by ministers under powers granted by an Act of Parliament.

What is a Ten Minute Rule Bill?

A procedure allowing MPs to make a short speech to introduce a bill in the House of Commons.

Explain the Delegate model of representation.

A delegate is an individual who acts on behalf of others based on clear instructions and is expected to follow those instructions closely.

What does the Trustee model of representation imply?

It allows elected representatives to use their own judgement to decide how to vote on issues, rather than strictly following voter instructions.

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

It provides a high-profile platform for MPs to question the Prime Minister, contributing to government accountability.

What are the challenges faced by private members' bills?

They often lack government backing, and many face time constraints, leading to a low success rate.

What is the significance of the Backbench Business Committee (BBBC)?

It gives backbench MPs more control over the parliamentary agenda, allowing them to select topics for debate.

How does the British electoral system impact the representation of parties in parliament?

The first-past-the-post system tends to favor larger parties and under-represent smaller parties in parliament.

What are the main responsibilities of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC)?

To oversee government expenditure and ensure taxpayer money is spent efficiently.

Define 'Act of Parliament'.

A law that has been passed by parliament and received royal assent.

How has diversity for women improved in Parliament?

Diversity for women in Parliament has improved through various initiatives, including increased representation, targeted recruitment efforts, and the introduction of all-women shortlists in certain parties.

Nancy Astor took her seat as the first woman in parliament in 1919, in 2024 263 women were elected to the commons to reflect greater gender equality.

How has broadcasting in Parliament developed?

Parliament has been televised since 1989, providing greater public involvement. Clips have often gone viral too such as quips of Denis Skinner.

Give an example of someone having the whip removed

Rory Stewart and others had the whip removed because they opposed party policy on Brexit votes.

Give an example of a backbench rebellion

2021 - Nearly 100 Conservative MPs rebelled against Boris Johnson over COVID-19 restrictions.

Give an example of a vote of no confidence

A vote of no confidence occurred in 2019 when Prime Minister Theresa May faced criticism over her Brexit deal, resulting in her resignation.

Give two arguments that PMQs are useful

PMQs hold the Prime Minister accountable to Parliament, allowing for direct questioning, and they provide a platform for opposition parties to challenge government policies and highlight issues of public concern.

Give two arguments that PMQs are not useful

Critics argue that PMQs often devolve into theatrical exchanges rather than meaningful debate, and they may not effectively address the concerns of constituents, as questions are often scripted or rehearsed.

What do select committees do?

Select committees scrutinize government actions, conduct inquiries, and gather evidence to hold the government accountable and ensure transparency in its operations.

What are Liasion Committees?

Liaison Committees are responsible for reviewing the work of select committees and making recommendations on their size, composition, and resources to ensure efficient parliamentary oversight.

Give three arguments for the House of Lords

The House of Lords provides expert scrutiny of legislation, represents a range of interests and experiences, and acts as a revising chamber to improve government proposals.

Give three arguments against the House of Lords

The House of Lords is undemocratic, lacks accountability, and is unrepresentative of public.