MINISTERS

Question 1

MINISTERS

Answer 1

Chosen by PM, manage departments and formulate policy

109 paid ministerial positions

24 ministerial departments

Question 2

CABINET

Answer 2

Most senior ministers, collective decision making body
Meets weekly
No max/min capacity

Question 3

BACKBENCH MPS

Answer 3

Do not have position in Gov or shadow cabinet

Question 4

ROLE OF MPS

Answer 4

Scrutinise role of Gov
Represent citizens
Make Laws
Debate

Question 5

PRIVATE MEMBERSHIP BILLS

Answer 5

MP enters ballot for chance to introduce bill, needs support 10 other MPs

Question 6

WHIP SYSTEM

Answer 6

Whips must persuade MPs to vote with party leadership
Led by chief whip

Party Whip - membership of party, can be removed

THE WHIP - weekly circular sent to MPs
3 lines - vote of highest importance
2 lines - MPs must attend unless pairing arranges
1 line - can vote how they want, non-party political votes or ‘vote of conscience’

Question 7

INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTARY STANDARDS AUTHORITY

Answer 7

Sets and reviews MPs expenses, salaries, pensions

unlike councillors

Question 8

ROLE OF LORDS

Answer 8

Legislative - mostly amending laws.
Can not VETO bill, only delay up to 13 months

Deliberative - debating policy
Scrutinising - holding Government to account

Question 9

PASSAGE OF BILL

Answer 9

First Reading
Second Reading
Committee Stage
Report Stage
Third Reading
HOL
Consideration of Amendments
Royal Assent

Question 10

KEY CONVENTIONS MINISTERS

Answer 10

Individual Ministerial responsibility - Cabinet member bears ultimate responsibility for actions of those in their department

Collective responsibility - cabinet ministers expected to publicly support Gov decisions and vote with Gov

Question 11

PRIME MINISTER ROLES

Answer 11

Appoint fellow ministers

Chair cabinet meetings one a week

Keep monarch informed once a week

Appoint members of cabinet committees

Declare war and peace

Recommend passage of bills to royal assent

Recommend dissolution of parliament