Democracy In UK- Government Scrutiny Flashcards
Describe debates as a method of government scrutiny
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
What are the advantages of debates as a method of government scrutiny?
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
What are the disadvantages of debates as a method of government scrutiny?
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
What can we conclude about debates as a method of government scrutiny?
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
Describe select committee as a method of government scrutiny
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
What are the 2 main purposes of select committees?
To keep government departments on their toes
To make sure the government is open to the public eye
What are advantages of select committees?
They allow backbenchers to scrutinise the work of government departments
They can call witnesses who MUST appear
They contain experts in their field
What are the disadvantages of select committees?
Whips are too influential in choosing chairmen and members
The PM seems to be able to avoid giving evidence
They are time consuming
What can we conclude overall about select committees?
They are regarded as the most effective form of government scrutiny
The members take their roles seriously and are prepared to break party loyalty
What is a select committee case study example?
Case studies of the Science and Technology Committee include cyber security attacks
Describe Question Time (PMQT) as a method of government scrutiny
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
What are the advantages of PMQT?
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
What are the disadvantages of PMQT as a method of government scrutiny?
Too short with a rowdy atmosphere
The PM is very well briefed before hand by civil servants and special advisors
What can we conclude overall about PMQT?
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
Describe standing committees as a method of government scrutiny
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
What are the advantages of standing committees?
They go into bills in great detail
They contain MPs with specific expertise
Less confrontational, more consensual atmosphere
What are the disadvantages of standing committees?
The government ‘always’ have a majority and the bill will pass
Sometimes the MPs are not experts
What can we conclude about standing committees overall?
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
Give 2 examples of bills passing through parliament (relevant to standing committees)
The assisted dying bill
Ethnicity pay gap bill
Describe the whip system
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
What are advantages of the whip system?
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
What are the disadvantages of the whip system?
They restrict freedom of action- democratic?
They have too much influence on the decision making process as they chose the chairmen of committees
What can we conclude about the whip system overall?
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
