pgn 2 assesment

Who are backbenchers?

MPs or peers who do not hold ministerial or shadow ministerial posts.

What are Crossbenchers in the House of Lords?

Independent peers with no party allegiance who often hold the balance of power.

Who are frontbenchers?

Government ministers and shadow ministers who lead policy-making or opposition scrutiny.

What is the difference between life and hereditary peers?

Life peers are appointed for their lifetime only; hereditary peers inherit their title.

What does bicameral legislature mean?

A parliament with two chambers — in the UK, the House of Commons and House of Lords.

What do party whips do?

Ensure party discipline, track attendance, organise votes, and persuade MPs to vote along party lines.

What are Select Committees?

Cross-party committees that scrutinise specific government departments and hold them accountable.

What is the role of Public Bill Committees?

Examine proposed legislation line-by-line after the second reading in the Commons.

What does the Liaison Committee do?

Consists of Select Committee chairs; questions the Prime Minister and oversees the committee system.

What is the payroll vote?

MPs who hold government roles and are expected to vote with the government.

What is parliamentary privilege?

Legal immunity protecting MPs/Lords for statements made in parliament.

What is financial privilege?

The Commons has final say over taxation and public spending.

What is the Official Opposition?

The largest non-government party that scrutinises government and provides alternative policies.

What are opposition days?

Days where the opposition sets the agenda and debates issues of their choice.

What is Short Money?

State funding given to opposition parties to help them carry out parliamentary work.

What is a vote of confidence/no confidence?

A test of government support that may trigger resignation or a general election.

What are the key functions of parliament?

Representation, legislation, scrutiny of the executive, recruitment of ministers, debate and accountability.

What are the stages of the legislative process?

1. First reading, 2. Second reading, 3. Committee stage, 4. Report stage, 5. Third reading, 6. House of Lords repeats process, 7. Royal Assent.

Give examples of significant parliamentary reforms.

House of Lords Act 1999, Wright Reforms, Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011.

What are the three models of representation?

Delegate, Trustee (Burkean), Mandate.

What are the main types of bills?

Public Bills, Money Bills, Hybrid Bills, Private Bills, Private Members' Bills.

What are key differences between the House of Commons and House of Lords?

Commons: Elected, can veto legislation, holds financial privilege. Lords: Appointed/Hereditary, can delay but not veto, limited financial power.