Parliament Flashcards
What does ‘Scrutiny of the Executive’ mean?
The process by which opposition MPs (Members of Parliament) ask questions and critique government actions, thereby holding the government to account.
What is the House of Commons?
The elected portion of Parliament and where most power lies.
What is the House of Lords?
Members of the House of Lords, unelected and chosen for life or until they decide to retire.
What are MPs?
A Member of Parliament - A person formally and directly elected by voters to sit in the House of Commons.
What are Peers?
Another term for a Lord.
What are Delegates?
Elected officials that are authorised to represent and act as a mouthpiece for their constituents.
What are Trustees?
Elected officials that are authorised to act in the interests of their electors as they see fit.
What is the Burkean/Trustee Theory of Representation?
A theory that argues elected officials are purely representatives of their voters. Once elected, they are entirely free to act in the interests of their electors as they see fit.
What is the Delegate Theory of Representation?
The theory that views MPs as being bound by the wishes of their constituents - what the constituents want, the constituents get from their MP.
What is the Mandate Theory of Representation?
Arguably the most prevalent representation theory in modern UK politics. It suggests that MPs are primarily in their position to represent and carry out their party’s policies and manifesto.
What is the definition of Parliamentary Privilege?
The exemption of MPs and peers from the laws of slander and contempt of court in order to uphold the principle of free speech within parliament. It does not apply beyond Westminster, nor does it grant MPs/peers immunity from prosecution for criminal offences.
What is the definition of Opposition?
The parties that are not in government. After the 2019 election, this comprised: Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party, the nationalist parties and the Northern Irish parties.
What is the definition of Legislation?
Measures out before parliament that, once passed, become law.
What is the definition of Debate?
Discussions in the main chamber that take place during the passage of a bill, especially during the second reading.
What does ‘Redress of Grievances’ mean?
The process by which individuals can approach their MP with complaints about their treatment by the government and its agencies such as local councils, government departments or bodies such as HMRC (His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs). (Note = It is an exception that an MP will seek to remedy an issue brought to their attention by a constituent).
