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
