Legislative scrutiny UK and US Flashcards
Uk parliamentary committees
Committees composed of MPs and reflect the balance of the chamber. Committee members are elected by MPs and may come from the opposition.
Eg- in 2013 15/28 had opposition MP chairs including the select committee in Scottish affairs.
US parliamentary committees
These committees have a wide range of powers to call witnesses and see papers. They have the ability to “kill a bill” and stop it from continuing legislation.
Eg- the freedom of information act ensures the right for committees to see official documents.
Uk 2nd chamber - house of lords
Aren’t elected unlike committees and are chosen by the PM or inherited. Many peers are experts at subject like politics, education etc.
Eg- John Prescott former deputy prime minister under Tony Blair is a member of the HoL.
US Senate
Members are appointed and have the power to scrutinise any presidential appointments and they have the power to block any appointments they make.
Eg- in 2015 the republican controlled senate refused to support president Obama’s choice of Medrick Garland as a Supreme Court judge as this would’ve ‘tipped’ the Supreme Court in favour of more liberal judges.
Uk PMQT
Every Monday to Thursday for an hour each day government minister are asked questions and from 12-12:30 the PM is specifically asked question from opposition,
Eg- in 2018 SNP HoC leader Ian Blackford questioned whether Theresa May would be “holding out the red carpet” for Donal trumps visit when he’d been detaining children in what appeared to be cages.
US publicity/media
Relates to congress in that important congressional hearings can receive lots of publicity. This in turn can lead to intense media scrutiny of the Gov over issues.
Eg- Fox News were fiercely critical of president Obama particularly his healthcare plan and immigration reforms.
