2.1 the structure and role of the house of commons and house of lords Flashcards
How are members of the HoC chosen?
through election to represent single-member constituencies, using FPTP
What was the number of candidates seeking election in 2015?
3971
How did Theresa May call an early election in 2017?
she had the support of the necessary proportion of MPs
How many MPs currently in parliament (April 2024) are independent?
18
How much of the total membership of the Commons consists of backbenchers?
three-quarters
What is a backbencher?
MPs who do not have a ministerial or shadow-ministerial position
How many people are in the HoL(April 2024)?
788
What are the three main categories of peer?
- hereditary peers
- life peers
26 ‘Lords Spiritual’ (Anglican archbishops and bishops)
What are the three main functions both the commons and lords perform?
- passing legislation
- scrutiny of the executive
- providing ministers
What is the Lords not allowed to intervene with?
‘money’ bills, they don’t have power to give consent to taxation
Who is most legislation initiated by?
the government
What is an example of opposition parties and rebels on the government side working together to defeat legislation?
March 2016 - Camerons defeat on plans to extend Sunday trading, when Labour and the SNP joined with Conservative dissidents
What are the party whips responsible for?
ensuring that MPs attend parliamentary votes and for granting leave of absence if their vote is not essential
What is a ‘three-line whip’
the most important votes that indicates MPs should be there
What may whips offer to encourage and reward loyalty?
prospect of ministerial posts