Parliament Flashcards
What is the word for the two Houses in Parliament
A bicameral legislature
Which of the Houses is elected?
House of Commons
How many MPs are there within the House of Commons
650
What is one of the roles of an MP
To represent their constituent
What is the opposition front benchers called
Shadow Cabinet
What are MPs not in the cabinet called
Backbenchers
What is the main role of the opposition
‘Government in waiting’-hold the official government to account
What is a Party Whip
‘Enforcers’ of party line
What is a one line whip
MPs advised to vote in line with party policy
What is a two line whip
MPs told attendance is necessary and expected to vote in line with party
What is a three line whip
Attendance is essential and they must vote in line with party
What happens when the whip is removed
A MP must stand as an independent
How many MPs had their whip removed in 2019
21 Conservative MPs
What is expected of the speaker
To be non-partisan and organise business in Parliament
What are the three types of Lords
Life peers, Hereditary peers and Lord Spirituals
What are Life Peers
Nominated by PM and have peerage for life
How many Life Peers are there
654 (as of June 2022)
How many Hereditary Peers are there
92
What are Hereditary peers
They hold inherited titles
What are Lord Spirituals
Appointed on PM based on the Church of England
How many Lord Spirituals are there
26 Anglican Bishops
What is the role of the monarchy
Largely ceremonial and symbolic-appoint PMs and open Parliament
