EXTRA-Reputation of Parliament Today Flashcards
Why do some critics argue that the HOC needs strengthening?
In order to wield greater influence and more effectively hold the government to account for its work in order to act as a vigilant watchdog over the Executive
Who often hold the opinion that the HOC needs strengthening in order to be vigilant watchdogs over the executive ?
Back bench MP’s who are reform minded
Why do some see the HOC as having a lesser role?
They see it as an important debating chamber, however it is more of a place to vent arguments than a body that is truly a check upon the Executive
What has public scepticism about the role of the HOC in terms of its conduct, performance and work of MP’s led to?
this has lead to some people achieving their goals by extra parliamentary means rather than via traditional democratic channels
Why may ministers with to reform parliament ?
in order to see government tackle its business more speedily so that they can get their programme through
Why may some MP’s wish to see reform in parliament? (2)
in order to have an improved working environment and more reasonable working hours
Or in order to remove outdates practises and rituals, a removal of a cause of embarrassment about their work place
Why may some academics and commentators feel that parliament needs to be strengthened?
as this would provide a better check upon government
What is the Commons Liaison Committee?
this includes 30 chairmen of select committees. It is appointed to consider general matters relating to the work of select committees and to report on them to the House
What do writers such as Philip Norton say about the reputation of parliament?
that the decline and weakness of parliament can be over-stressed and actually parliament in recent years has become more effective with MP’s becoming better informed and professional and the House more efficient
In what year did the House vote to modify its antiquated sittings?
2002
After the House voted to modify its antiquated sittings in 2002 what did this lead to?
The hours were made more ‘family friendly’, with proceedings starting and finishing earlier in the day.
How was the HOC provided with more office space?
via the opening of Portcullis House, next door to Westminster
From what year did Tony Blair begin to answer questions from the chairpersons of the select committees meeting at the Commons Liaison Committee?
2003
Since 2003 what has allowed the more effective questioning of the Prime Minister?
Tony Blair began answering questions from the chair persons of the select committees, meeting at the Commons’ Liaisons Committee
How does the HOC provide for more pre-legislative scrutiny of legislation?
they ensure that the bill which is finally produced has already received careful analysis and taken account of possible problems
