Democracy In UK- Government Scrutiny

Question 1

Describe debates as a method of government scrutiny

Answer 1

Debates include the second reading stage of the legislative
Most debates involve the government having to explain, defend and justify both its actions and its policies.
The executive is forced to account for its actions to parliament

Question 2

What are the advantages of debates as a method of government scrutiny?

Answer 2

All back benches have a say (in theory)

Many angles can be explored

Debates are televised and covered by the written press, so they influence voters

Debates on issues like Syria can be pivotal e.g. Choosing not to support the US invasion

Question 3

What are the disadvantages of debates as a method of government scrutiny?

Answer 3

Too many MP’s for all to get a say

Time consuming

Confrontational rather than intelectual

Many are poorly attended

The government will win the vote regardless

Question 4

What can we conclude about debates as a method of government scrutiny?

Answer 4

Debates are probably too superficial to greatly influence policy
The quality of discussion lacks the detail which is found in committees and many debates get little media coverage.
Moderately effective overall

Question 5

Describe select committee as a method of government scrutiny

Answer 5

This is a less dramatic, more detailed scrutiny of the government

They cover the main government departments

These committees have an investigative or supervisory function, they can look into how public policy is formulated and also how it is implemented

Question 6

What are the 2 main purposes of select committees?

Answer 6

To keep government departments on their toes

To make sure the government is open to the public eye

Question 7

What are advantages of select committees?

Answer 7

They allow backbenchers to scrutinise the work of government departments

They can call witnesses who MUST appear

They contain experts in their field

Question 8

What are the disadvantages of select committees?

Answer 8

Whips are too influential in choosing chairmen and members

The PM seems to be able to avoid giving evidence

They are time consuming

Question 9

What can we conclude overall about select committees?

Answer 9

They are regarded as the most effective form of government scrutiny

The members take their roles seriously and are prepared to break party loyalty

Question 10

What is a select committee case study example?

Answer 10

Case studies of the Science and Technology Committee include cyber security attacks

Question 11

Describe Question Time (PMQT) as a method of government scrutiny

Answer 11

It takes place 4 times a week and lasts for 30 minutes, proceedings are televised.

It allows MPs to ‘grill’ misters about their actions and policies.

Ministerial reputations can be made or lost at question time

Question 12

What are the advantages of PMQT?

Answer 12

Puts the PM on the spot in areas where she is most vulnerable

The supplementary question is harder to prepare for

All questions must be answered

Question 13

What are the disadvantages of PMQT as a method of government scrutiny?

Answer 13

Too short with a rowdy atmosphere

The PM is very well briefed before hand by civil servants and special advisors

Question 14

What can we conclude overall about PMQT?

Answer 14

PMQT should not be underestimated, it is the most watched part of parliament and is therefore, arguably, the most influential

A poor performance will damage the reputation of the PM and their party

This is an effective form of government scrutiny

Question 15

Describe standing committees as a method of government scrutiny

Answer 15

These are committees set up by the HOC to consider the details of a particular bill

All bills, other than money bills, are automatically sent to a standing committee following their second reading. They only last for the duration of the bill concerned

Question 16

What are the advantages of standing committees?

Answer 16

They go into bills in great detail
They contain MPs with specific expertise
Less confrontational, more consensual atmosphere

Question 17

What are the disadvantages of standing committees?

Answer 17

The government ‘always’ have a majority and the bill will pass
Sometimes the MPs are not experts

Question 18

What can we conclude about standing committees overall?

Answer 18

They offer backbenchers perhaps their only opportunity to scrutinise and influence the tone of a bill in a less intense atmosphere

Time allows detailed consideration

Question 19

Give 2 examples of bills passing through parliament (relevant to standing committees)

Answer 19

The assisted dying bill

Ethnicity pay gap bill

Question 20

Describe the whip system

Answer 20

Whips are MPs appointed by each party to maintain party discipline
Part of their role is to ensure members of their party vote in the way their party would like.

They produce an agenda for their party, setting out the weeks business and convey information between party leaders and backbench members

Question 21

What are advantages of the whip system?

Answer 21

They ensure the smooth running of parliament

Ensure the government wins votes which allows them to deliver their manifesto, e.g. Makes a strong government

Question 22

What are the disadvantages of the whip system?

Answer 22

They restrict freedom of action- democratic?

They have too much influence on the decision making process as they chose the chairmen of committees

Question 23

What can we conclude about the whip system overall?

Answer 23

The decisive nature of the UK government is due to whip influence

Governments succeed in delivering their manifesto which is crucial to a successful democracy

However even a whip sometimes cannot stop rebellion, if a PM has lost respect, ultimately parliament still has power