MPs

Question 1

Trustee Model

Answer 1

The elected MP has complete autonomy in terms of their decisions. They completely represent their electorate, which places all their trust in the MP to represent them accordingly.

Question 2

Delegate model

Answer 2

The MP has no autonomy and is merely a mouthpiece to represent the direct views of their electorate.

Question 3

Electorate MP

Answer 3

Voted into parliament by the people in the electorate they are running for. As a result, they act as the representative of that group of people within parliament. This is an example of the trustee model.

Question 4

List MP

Answer 4

These MPs are chosen by the party and are used to fill in the party vote. As a result there is a lot of scrutiny around them. Many believe they have no purpose being in parliament as they were not voted in and do not really represent anyone. They are merely party hacks.
However, many list MPs are often chosen in order to represent a demographic that otherwise wouldn’t be represented.

Question 5

What are the roles of an MP?

Answer 5

1. Constituency
2. Parliamentary
3. Party
4. Campaigning

Question 6

Constituency

Answer 6

The MP must represent their electorate in parliament and during debates. They must act on their behalf and express their interests. They are also required to take part in social events within the electorate to maintain face.

Question 7

Parliamentary

Answer 7

The MPs must again take part in debates but here they are representing and expressing the party. As a result they must vote along party lines. They will also be a part of select committees which take part in more specific agendas.

Question 8

Party

Answer 8

MPs take part in caucus meetings and then are required to represent the party vote unless allowed otherwise through a free vote. It is important that the parties maintain an image of unity.

Question 9

Campaigning

Answer 9

MPs must continue to campaign for their party within their electorate, especially during the election campaign.