Fact test- representation Flashcards
Why does the FPTP system make parliament less representative?
It favors the 2 party system + 3rd parties lose out
What % of the vote share did the Conservative Party achieve in 2010, + what % of seats did they achieve?
36.9% of vote, 50.8% of seats
What % of the vote share did UKIP achieve in 2010, + what % of seats did they achieve?
12.6%, but 0.2% of seats
When was the last attempt to reform the HofL?
2012
What recommendations were in the last bill to reform the HofL?
Give 2 360 elected for 15 yrs, 90 appointed, 12 bishops + 8 additional ministerial members
What is the delegate theory of representation?
MPs should listen + act on what their constituents want, MPs should act as delegates for their constituents
What is the trustee theory of representation, 1 example
MPs should listen, but as they have superior knowledge + expertise, they should act on their own in the national interest- Edmund Burke 1774
What is the party/mandate theory of representation?
MPs should vote with their party leaders against delegate + trustee models
Why did a free vote on the Assisted Dying Bill deliver a controversial decision?
330-118 MPs opposed the bill, went against pubic view where 82% were in favor of it
What does redress of grievances mean?
MPs duty to fulfill this function to help their constituents with problems/issues
How might a redress of grievances take place?
constituent writes to MP to ask for help/complain about an issue/attend a constituency surgery
What is the diff. between functional + constituency representation
Functional–> MPs doing work on behalf of charities, pressure groups or international issues- more national than local
Why is descriptive representation important?
About the diversity of Parliament- MPs should represent views of constituents + gender/race/etc
How many women were elected to Parliament in 2017?
208
What is the % rise of women in Parliament from 1979-2017
From 3% to 32%- 29% rise
What is the % of women in HofL?
25.7%- 2015
How many MPs define themselves as LGBTQ?
45
Which party is most responsible for making Parliament more diverse?
Labour
How many times more likely are MPs to have attended private schools than public?
4x more likely
