Legislature Flashcards
From … to … Coalition MPs rebelled in … of divisions beating the previous record of …. from … to …
2010-2015, 35%, 28%, 2005-2010
Kris Hopkins has launched a petition to…
Build a pedestrian bridge between Steeton and Silsden
What are the two types of Public Bills? Give an example of each
Government and Private Member’s Bills
Norman Lamb- rejected cannabis legalization bill
Counter terrorism and security act 2015
Who is the current speaker and what is his role?
John Bercow
Keeps order in the house
Calls MPs during debates
Gets to vote if there is a tie
Name the functions of the House of Commons
Legitimation Representation Legislation Recruitment Scrutiny Deliberation
What are the stages of a bill?
First reading Second reading Committee stage Report stage Third reading Lords stages Royal assent
What are the first and second readings?
First reading- the bill is read out, no debate. Copies are printed.
Second reading- the general principles are debated by MPs. Voting.
What happens in the committee stage?
Members of a committee subject a bill to line by lime examination and make amendments
What happens in the report stage and third reading?
Report stage- the bill is reviewed by the commons on the floor of the house. MPs can suggest amendments
Third reading- the bill is debated and voted on
In…. women made up …. of MPs. In 2015 this was…
1987, 6%
29%
The proportion of female Tory mps in 2015 was…
In Labour this was…
20%
41%
How many members of the commons are not ethnically white?
41
6% compared to 13% in UK
Give 5 arguments for parliament being more representative
Brexit and death penalty- don’t represent opinion
Many come from privileged ,agedbackgrounds and went to private schools
MPs are mostly men
A small proportion of ethnic minorities
Lord is unelected
Give 6 reasons why the commons shouldn’t be more representative
MPs do address local issues in surgeries etc.
MPs should be well educated
The best person should be chosen regardless of gender etc
White people can still take minoritys into account
Older MPs may be more experienced
They may have different opinions as they have better knowledge
How many MPs supported brexit?
158
Give some examples of when select committees have been successful
Budget plans- explained in detail, e.g. Distributional impact
Give probing questions
Encourages bipartisanship
The treasury select committee rung an apology out of Fred Goodwin, a bank boss, after the financial collapse
Give examples of how select committees are unsuccessful
Committee members are chosen based on the party proportions in the commons
Not forced to act on recommendations. Reports can be ignored
Pedantic
People aren’t aware of select committees
Give the chairs of the liaison select committee, the defense committee and the education committee
Andrew Tyrie, Dr Julian Lewis, Neil Carmichael
Give the pros of PMQs
Keeps public interest in politics Lets backbenchers ask questions Test of pms performance Gives a chance to let the public hear opinions from all sides Exposes flaws in policy
Give the cons of pmqs
Nothing changes as a result Time is wasted paying tribute Catching the speakers eye throws up random questions Punch and Judy politics Negative view of politics
What has Greg Mullholland rebelled against?
Due to coalition. More left wing.
Rebelled against tuition fees, leading a LD backbench rebellion ‘sometimes governments are wrong’
Campaigned against cuts to Wharfedale hospital and presented a 5,000 signature petition to parliament
How is Dennis Skinner a rebel?
Supported the Leave campaign Against bombing Syria Left wing 'Dodgy Dave' Voted against party line on HS2
How is Philip Davies a rebel?
G8
Suspicious of May
Currently most rebellious MP with nearly 10%
Voted against banning smoking in a private vehicle if a child is present (against whips)
Filibuster- a Green Party bill against NHS reforms
- free hospital parking to carers
What is the trustee model
Associated with 18th century MP Edward Burke
Should exercise own judgement
Ultimately follow own conscience
Most MPs
What is the Delegate model?
MPs are a mouthpiece for constituents
Their personal views aren’t relevant
What is the mandate mode,?
MPs should adhere to the party at all times unless not keeping manifesto promises
Blairs poodles
Which Tory MP voted against HS2 as he believed it would negatively effect his constituency?
Mark Pawsey
Who was threatened by the whips but refused to drop his bill about banning circus animals?
Mark Pritchard
