Parliament

Role of the Speaker

Maintains order in debates, decides who speaks, ensures neutrality, can discipline MPs, represents Parliament.

Functions of Party Whips

Enforce party discipline, communicate policies, count votes, offer incentives, ensure attendance.

Why Losing the Whip Ends Careers

MP becomes independent, loses party backing, faces harder re-election, risk of deselection.

Key Stages for Changing or Blocking a Bill

Committee Stage, Report Stage, Second Reading, House of Lords Stage.

Factors Increasing Private Members’ Bill Success

Government support, cross-party backing, public/media pressure, time allocation.

Examples of Presentation Bills Becoming Law

Household Waste Recycling Act (2003), Gangmasters (Licensing) Act (2004).

Mandate Theory vs. Other Representation Theories

MPs vote with their party due to election promises, enforced by whips, impacts independent decision-making.

Problems with Delegate Theory

MPs lack clear instructions, conflicting interests, reduces MP expertise.

How is Public Committee Membership Decided?

Reflects party balance, influenced by whips, considers some expertise.

Ways Select Committees Scrutinise Government

Call witnesses, produce reports, review spending, examine draft bills.

Why Lords Committees Are Less Significant

Cannot enforce changes, focus on long-term policy, government can override.

Westminster Hall vs. Main Chamber Debates

Less formal, more participation, topics chosen by backbenchers.

Why PMs Dread PMQs

Confrontational, public scrutiny, unpredictable questions.

Why MPs Ask ‘Patsy’ Questions at PMQs

Help PM appear positive, shift focus, reinforce party unity.

Most Significant Ways for Backbench MPs to Influence Government

Select Committees, Backbench Business Committee, Private Members’ Bills.

Least Significant Ways for Backbench MPs to Influence Government

Early Day Motions, Parliamentary Questions, Opposition Day Debates.

Four Forms of Parliamentary Opposition

Official Opposition, other opposition parties, intra-party, inter-party opposition.

Why the Official Opposition is a ‘Government in Waiting’

Mirrors roles, offers policy alternatives, has privileges in debates.

Fusion of Powers

Executive drawn from legislature, government dominates Parliament, PM as MP.

Why Select Committees Are Increasingly Effective

Greater independence, can call witnesses, government must respond, media pressure.

Most Likely Types of Private Members’ Bills to Pass

Government-backed, non-controversial bills, issues with public support.