2.1 Structure and role of the House of Commons and House of Lords

Question 1

Features of Parliament

Answer 1

• House of Commons
• Legislative Committees
• House of Lords
• Select Committees

Question 2

Outline the three functions of Parliament

Answer 2

• Represent constituents
• Debate and pass legislation: make laws
• Scrutinise the government

Question 3

How has Parliamentary sovereignty been eroded?

Answer 3

• Devolution
• Regional and city mayors
• European Convention on Human Rights
• Referendums

Question 4

Outline the functions of the House of Lords

Answer 4

• Legislation
• Scrutiny secondary legislation
• Scrutiny of government
• Representation of groups
• National debates

Question 5

What is the Salisbury Convention?

Answer 5

House of Lords should not delay or block legislation which was included in a government’s election manifesto

Question 6

Define Secondary Legislation

Answer 6

Law made by government ministers, much of which is not debated in Parliament. It does not go through the normal legislative procedure

Question 7

Who primarily makes laws and why?

Answer 7

• The government
• Because the largest party has a mandate

Question 8

What is the role of MPs in parliament?

Answer 8

To represent the interests of their constituency, vote either for or against bills, and to either support or scrutinise the government

Question 9

Summarise the concept of parliamentary consent

Answer 9

All legislation must be passed by Parliament to become law

Question 10

Describe the purpose of the budget every Spring and Autumn

Answer 10

• The budget is a statement made to the HOC by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the nation’s finances and the Government’s proposals for changes to taxation
• The budget can come into effect immediately if the HOC agrees to it at the end of the four days debate

Question 11

Outline successful Private Members’ Bills

Answer 11

• Stalking Protection Act, 2019
• European Union (Withdrawal Ac), 2019
• European Union (Withdrawal Act) (No.2). 2019