How Parliament interacts with the executive Flashcards
What are the main roles of the backbench MPs?
-represent the interest of heir constituents
-scrutinise the work of the gov
-consider the merits of legislation
-legitimise certain gov decisions (e.g. committing British troops to military action)
-raise issues that they regard as significant
Define executive
The term ‘executive’ refers to the government
What is the legislative process?
The process thorough which parliamentary bills come law
-during each parliament the gov will introduce a number of Public bills into the HOC
Government bills (legislative process)
-most bills debated by parliament will not be introduced by the gov
-have strong chance of being enacted because gov able to give bill sufficient time to be debated
-gov can rely on whips to encourage support for the bill in the HOC
Private Members’ Bills (legislative process)
Members of HOC & HOL can introduce PMBs
-MPs can introduce PMBs under the ballot, the Ten-Minute-Rule and presentation
-Few PMBs become law –> demonstrates lack of influence of backbenchers
-if a PMB has cross-party support & gov looks favourably upon it –> has chance of becoming law
What is a ballot? (PMBs)
-Held at the beginning of each parliament–> MPs can put forward proposals for a PMB
-20 Bills enter the ballot & top 7 are debated
-Most PMBs introduced by this method
What is the Ten-Minute-Rule? (PMBs)
MPs can put forward their proposals for a bill in a speech of 10 minutes
-much less likely to be successful
What is presentation? (PMBs)
An MP formally presents a PMB to the HOC
Scrutiny (select committees)
1979- HOC select committees introduced to monitor performance major departments of state
-select committees can cut across departmental lines
-they are non-partisan (unlike PBCs)
Prime Minister’s Questions (scrutiny)
-PM expected to attend HOC every Wednesday between noon and 12:30 PM to respond to questions from the chamber
-PM held accountable for gov policy
Opposition days
-during each parliamentary session 20 days set aside to debate subjects chosen by the opposition
-naturally over issues opposition parties believe gov should try to justify itself
-rare for an opposition day motion to pass
Representation
-MPs are accountable to their constituents in regular general elections –> ensures very close relationship between them
-MPs should balance the interests of their constituents with the demands of the party whips & the dictates of their own conscience
-highly important part of MP’s workload is to spend time in their constituency
The role and significance of the opposition
Without a strong opposition the gov doesn’t have to justify its policies –>can encourage complacent & incompetent gov
