Case Studies for Parliament

Question 1

When was an early election called

Answer 1

2017- May received the support of the necessary proportion of MPs to call an early general election (2/3)

Question 2

Example of parliament being able to defeat government proposed legislation

Answer 2

RARE- Cameron’s defeat in 2016 on plans to extend Sunday trading

Question 3

Example of government pushing through legislation, by arguing overriding necessity

Answer 3

2005 Prevention of Terrorism Act, passed in just 18 days

Question 4

Example of debates that show scrutiny

Answer 4

2013 HoC debate, Cameron government defeated on proposal to take action in Syria

Question 5

How does the Lords not represent wider society?

Answer 5

More than half of its members are over 70, 3/4 are male and only 5% are BAME

Question 6

Ethnic minorities in the HoC

Answer 6

6% compared to 13% of the population

Question 7

Example of MPs responding to issues of constituents

Answer 7

44 MPS voted against HS2 in 2016- due to constituents being affected

Question 8

Example of the Lords being more important

Answer 8

Liberal Democrat peers demonstrated growing independence - 2005 opposed Blair’s proposals for identity cards.

Question 9

What is the Parliament Act 1949

Answer 9

HoC can force a bill through, without the need of the the House of Lords

Question 10

Examples of the Parliament Act being used (2)

Answer 10

• Banning hunting with dogs 2004

- Equalising the age of consent for gay and heterosexual people (2000)