3.1.1.2 The structure and role of Parliament Flashcards
scrutiny of executive
Parliament scrutinises the executive through Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs), where MPs hold the Prime Minister accountable, as seen in questions about the Iraq War (2003).
Commons
The House of Commons debated the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement (2019), highlighting its role as the primary legislative chamber in the UK.
Made up of
Lords/ Peers
Members of the House of Lords are sometimes referred to as peers. Most members are Life Peers although 92 sit by virtue of hereditary title. Life Peers are appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister to serve for their life; the title is not transferable.
MPs
The person elected by all those who live in a particular area (constituency) to represent them in the House of Commons
There are 650 MPs in the House of Commons
delegates and trustees
Some MPs act as delegates, voting according to the views of their constituents, while others act as trustees, using personal judgment, as seen in Conservative MP Ken Clarke’s opposition to Brexit.
Burkean theories of representation
The Burkean theory of representation suggests that MPs should act as trustees, using their own judgment and expertise to make decisions in the best interest of the nation, even if it goes against the immediate wishes of their constituents.
Example: In 2019, Conservative MP Dominic Grieve opposed Brexit, arguing it would harm the UK, despite many of his constituents supporting Leave, demonstrating his commitment to the Burkean principle of acting in the nation’s long-term interest.
delegate theories
he delegate theory of representation argues that MPs should act as the mouthpiece of their constituents, voting strictly in line with their expressed preferences.
Example:
During the 2016 Brexit debates, many MPs from Leave-voting constituencies, such as Labour MP Caroline Flint, supported Brexit-related legislation despite personally opposing it.
mandate theories
The mandate theory suggests that MPs are elected to implement their party’s manifesto commitments, rather than act solely on their constituents’ views or personal judgment.
Example: After the 2019 general election, Conservative MPs supported the passage of the EU Withdrawal Agreement Act 2020, fulfilling the party’s manifesto promise to “get Brexit done.”
trustees
The trustee model of representation holds that MPs should use their own judgment and expertise to make decisions in the best interests of the nation, even if it contradicts the immediate wishes of their constituents.
Example: In 2013, Conservative MP Sarah Wollaston voted against military intervention in Syria, stating she believed it was not in the national interest, even though there was public support for action in some quarters.
parliamentary privilege
Parliamentary privilege grants certain legal immunities for Members of both Houses to allow them to perform their duties without interference from outside of the House. Parliamentary privilege includes freedom of speech and the right of both Houses to regulate their own affairs.
opposition
Opposition being the largest party outside the governing majority (Currently Conservatives) Main job is to scrutinise and challenge the current Party in power
E.g. Kemi Bandenoch is the current leader of the opposition
legislation
Legislation is a law or a set of laws that have been passed by Parliament. The word is also used to describe the act of making a new law.
debate
A debate is a formal discussion of a specific proposal (motion) in the House of Commons or House of Lords. Members take it in turns to speak and there are rules and conventions that are followed. Debates can be read in the Official Report (Hansard) and viewed on-line via Parliament TV.
redress of grievances
right to make a complaint to, or seek the assistance of, one’s government, without fear of punishment or reprisals. The right can be traced back to the Bill of Rights 1689, the Petition of Right (1628), and Magna Carta (1215) and is protected in the US Bill of Rights.
campaign
Westminster General Election Campaigns – Typically last around one month leading up to polling day, but individual candidates campaign in their constituencies for much longer.
Referendum Campaigns – Governed by specific rules on funding and government communication regarding the issue being voted on.
Pressure Group Campaigns – Groups like Frack Off campaign against policies such as shale gas fracking.
Backbench MP Campaigns – Individual MPs advocate for specific issues, e.g.:
Sarah Champion – Campaign for victims of sexual exploitation in Rotherham.
Andy Slaughter – Campaign to stop the closure of Charing Cross Hospital in Hammersmith and Fulham.
Referendum
A referendum is when a question is decided by putting it to a public vote. Referendums are an example of direct democracy. In the UK, most decisions are made by Parliament on behalf of the public which is known as indirect or representative democracy.
E.g - Brexit 2016
The origins, ideas and development of the Labour party and how these have helped shape their current policies
Founded in 1900 by trade unions and socialist groups, aiming to represent the working class.
Early policies were heavily socialist, advocating for nationalisation and workers’ rights.
Post-WWII (1945-1951), under Clement Attlee, the party established the NHS, nationalised industries, and expanded the welfare state.
Moved towards social democracy in the 1990s with New Labour under Blair, embracing market-friendly policies while maintaining public services.
More recent shifts: Corbyn (2015-2020) brought back socialist policies, while Starmer (2020–present) has moved towards a more centrist position.
The origins, ideas and development of the Conservative party and how these have helped shape their current policies
Traces its roots to the Tory Party of the late 17th century, which supported the monarchy and traditional institutions.
Became the Conservative Party in 1834 under Robert Peel, focusing on a balance between free markets and social stability.
Shifted towards One-Nation Conservatism under Disraeli (19th century), advocating for social reform while upholding hierarchy and tradition.
Under Thatcher (1979-1990), the party embraced neoliberalism—privatisation, deregulation, and reducing trade union power.
More recent leaders (Cameron, May, Johnson, Sunak) have balanced free-market economics with state intervention (e.g., levelling up, Brexit-driven policies).
Conservative Party Current Policies
Economic Policy: Low taxes, deregulation, and a preference for free-market policies.
Public Services: Generally supports private sector involvement in healthcare and education.
Social Issues: Balances traditional values with modern reforms (e.g., same-sex marriage under Cameron).
Foreign Policy: Post-Brexit focus on sovereignty and controlling immigration.
The origins, ideas and development of the Liberal Democrat parties and how these have helped shape their current policies
Formed in 1988 from a merger of the Liberal Party (which dates back to the 19th century) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The Liberal Party championed individual rights, free trade, and social reform, producing figures like Gladstone.
The SDP split from Labour in the 1980s due to opposition to its socialist direction, promoting a centrist, pro-European stance.
The party gained influence in the 2000s but suffered electorally after the 2010-2015 coalition government with the Conservatives (e.g., tuition fee controversy). Yet had best election result in 2024.
