official opposition SCRUTINY

Question 1

What is the role of the official opposition

Answer 1

they are to act like a government in waiting and hold the exectutive to account

Question 2

what are the strengths of the official opposition

Answer 2

• the shadow cabinet try to hold government opponents to account in the HOC and the media as they are given time to question ministers at minister question time
• they can develop policies to try and show the public that they would make a better government
• they have 17 days where the can control the agenda and try press the government in areas that they feel they are neglecting
• works better in a minority government

Question 3

what is the weaknesses of the official opposition

Answer 3

• their strength depends on the government popularity or majorities.
• ministers have the support of a large staff to help them prepare for answers.
• on days where OO have control of the agenda the government majority will be able to vote done OO reccomendations or table ammendments.
• they have fewer overall help in preparing policy.