parliamentary roles and effectivenesss

whats the function of the speaker

chairs debates in the commons, maintains order, and is politically neutral

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what is the role of select committees

small gorups of backbenchers that scrutinise the policy, spending, and administration of a specific government department

how effective are select committees

• members are elected by other MPs, are independent of the executive, produce influential reports

• government can ignore their recommendations

what is the role of the opposition 

largest non-governing party. holds the government to account 

how effective is the opposition 

often seen as merely oppsoing for oppsition’s sake; limited power agaisnt a government with a strong majority

what is the role of backbenchers

all MPs not on the front benches

how effective are backbenchers

• greater use of urgent questions and the bacjbench business committee has increased their infleucne, especially when defying the party whip

• power is often limited by party whips and dominance of executive