2. Parliament Flashcards
what is a parliament with a two house system called?
bicameral
What are the three main criticisms of the house of lords?
- Unelected - therefore legislature is not democratic and also the members are not accountable
- Life Peers appointments are dubious - Cronyism
- House of Lords can affect the commons without democratic legitimacy
The commons supporting the Executives legislation, does what?
Provides democratic legitimacy for bills
Who announces the annual Budget?
Chancellor of the Exchequer
The Commons then provides consent for taxpayers
What are the three ways Backbench MPs can propose legislation
Ballot
Ten Minute Rule Bills
Presentation
When was the Voyeurism Offences Act eventually passed?
What two things does it illustrate?
2019
It shows how hard it is to get private members bills passed, a tory mp shouted out object during it’s second reading which sent it back for debate.
However the government proposed it as a government bill and it was passed seamlessly. This shows how they can influence.
What area of legislating are the Lords important?
What is the name of their committees?
The Scrutiny of Secondary legislation.
Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee.
Joint committee on statutory instruments.
Give the three key areas the Commons scrutinises the government
Wednesdays - PMQs
Forcing the government to justify legislation.
Refuse to pass legislation, Theresa May Brexit bill 2017-2019 repeatedly rejected.
How is the lords limited in scrutiny?
They do not have the same opportunities to directly scrutinise the government.
Main scrutiny in the Committee stage of the bill.
What is the Salisbury Convention?
The lords can block legislation for up to one year, but not if it’s in the governing parties manifesto.
Give an example of the Commons vetoing the Lords.
Sexual Offences Amendment Act 2000, lowering the age of consent fro gay men to 16.
The Commons represents:
Constituencies and groups, e.g the Friends of the Earth
National Debate is seen in both houses how is it different
Commons - Covid-19 and Foreign affairs
Lords - Moral dimension, pornography. They won’t end up making executive decision but they can inform decision makers.
What percentage of peers are privately educated?
What percentage of people in the UK are?
62%
6.5%
Define Parliamentary Privilege.
The right of MPs or Lords to make certain statements within Parliament without being subject to outside influence, including the law.
What are party whips?
Make backbench MPs comply with party policy
What is the role of Public Accounts Committee?
Examine public finances. Ensures that the delivery of public services is at the same quality that the amount of money being funnelled into it expects.
What investigation did the PMC carry out in 2015?
What consequently happened?
Why is the PMC so well respected?
Investigation into the effectiveness of cancer care by the NHS.
Government launched a review and then set up an independent cancer task force to improve services.
The chair and members are elected.
The Chair is always from the main opposition party
What investigation did the PMC carry out in 2015?
What consequently happened?
Why is the PMC so well respected?
Investigation into the effectiveness of cancer care by the NHS.
Government launched a review and then set up an independent cancer task force to improve services.
The chair and members are elected.
The Chair is always from the main opposition party
What is the liaison committee?
It consist of the chairs of all the departmental select committees. Twice a year the PM must appear before them for questioning. Boris cancelled a few times. .
When and What did the wright reforms set up?
What do they do?
2010 - Backbench Business Committee
Debate what issues should be discussed on the one day a week delegated to backbench business.
How are ministers called to account?
Question to ministers day
Departmental Select Committee and Public Accounts Committee.
PMQs
