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
How has the HOC allowed for debates and occasionally questions sessions in Westminster Hall?
a specially converted room off the main hall provides more opportunities for MP’s to have their say
Why do some critics propose that more powerful select committees would strengthen the HOC?
they believe that a better budget, more staffing of experts and stronger powers would make ministers and officials answer and lead to more debate over committee reports.
Why would better pay and facilities for MP’s strengthen the HOC?
This is because many MPs find that they cannot get all of the secretarial and research help they need. Many point to the need for more constituency help and better computer links for there local base
Why would full time MP’s strengthen the HOC?
This is because critics say that no MP can do two jobs well, and that membership of parliament and full engagement in its committee system is so demanding that it requires full attention.
Why would less MPs strengthen the HOC?
As this would reduce the current payroll and so enable more to be spent on better resourcing few MPs to enable them to operate effectively.
Which 2 people have called for a cut in number of MP’s to around 450?
Philip Horton and Michael Howard
What does Norton suggest when arguing for there to be a reduction to 450 MP’s to strengthen the HOC?
He suggests that a smaller, more professional house makes the point that the present one, is one of the largest elected chambers in the world and does not suit modern needs
Why would more free votes strengthen the HOC?
This is because strong party discipline seems to worry MPs.
