House Of Commons Key Terms

Question 1

Frontbench MP

Answer 1

Government ministers, senior and junior, plus leading spokesperson from opposition parties. (150)

Question 2

Backbench MP’s

Answer 2

All those MPS who are not frontbenchers. (500)

Question 3

Select committees

Answer 3

Permanent committees of backbench MP’s elected by all the MP’s. 11-15 members each. Roles include calling government to account.

Question 4

Legislative committees (public bill committees)

Answer 4

Temporary committees which scrutinise proposed legislation. (20-40 members)

Question 5

Party whips

Answer 5

Senior MP’s whose role is to keep party discipline, inform MP’s about parliamentary business and occasionally discipline dissident MP’s.

Question 6

The Speaker

Answer 6

He or She is elected by MP’s, is neutral and keeps order in the house.