How effective are Backbench MP's and Lords

Question 1

What are six ways Backbench MP’s and Lords are effective?

Answer 1

• Selective and legislative committees scrutinise legislation and government actions and policies
• MP’s vote on all legislation and can vote against executive
• During question time can question the PM and other ministers
• Votes of no confidence can bring down Government and dissolve Parliament
• Lords are subject to less whipping and are more independent so can vote against government
• MP’s debate the days important matters showing the executive what they believe is important

Question 2

What are six ways in which Backbench MP’s and Lords are ineffective?

Answer 2

• Dominated by party loyalists, MP’s are expected to vote along party lines and select committees can be ignored
• Backbenchers are expected to vote along party lines - whips used and have no desire to bring down Government
• Ministers can deflect/ignore questions or only take supportive questions
• Ministers can ignore debates as they are unbinding and also can be very partisan
• Votes of no confidence are extremely rare lat used in 1979
• Lords are restricted by Salisbury convention and lack democratic legitimacy