Parliament Flashcards
How many key functions of parliament are there?
7
What are the functions of parliament?
Debating major issues
Making law (Legislation)
Scrutinising the executive
Sustaining government
Representation
Financial scrutiny
Redress of grievances
Describe and give an example of Debating major issues
People expect major issues to be debated in parliament, it becomes the focus of the nations attention
e.g The HoC held debates before the war in Iraq
What is the process of making law (legislation)?
2 readings
commitee stage , report stage
third reading
HoL- can defer a bill for up to 12 months
Mocharch sign off
Give examples of how Parliament scrutinize the executive
- Questions to ministers
-PMQT - opposition days
Define representation
political parties attempt to reflect the views of the people who elected them.
individual MPs attempt to represent the people in their constituency
Describe financial scrutiny
A key feature of the HoC is scrutiny of public spending.
Annual finance bill which must be passed in order for taxation and spending to continue
There are a number of parliamentary committees to oversee government spending
Describe redress of grievances
one of the earliest purposes of the Commons was for people to obtain redress for problems and grievances.
citizens can still go to Parliament and lobby their MP about a particular issue that concerns them.
Some MPs take up such causes and can either try to persuade government to change the law or attempt to change the law themselves using the procedure of private members’ legislation.
What are backbench MPs?
Backbench MPs and Peers are members of parliament who do not hold ministerial or shadow ministerial positions.
Backbenchers play an essential role in representing their constituents, scrutinising legislation , and holding the government to account through debates, questions and contributions to committee work
What is the role of the opposition ?
Holds the government to account and provides an alternative to government policies.
‘Opposition days’ are granted occasionally and allow the opposition party to set an agenda for the day.
Can also play a role in shaping public opinion and holding the government accountable through media engagement
Give 2 reasons why parliament could be effective at scrutinising the government ?
Select committees
opposition
Give 2 reasons why Parliament is not effective at scrutinising the government?
Debates-Backbench- Party whips
PMQs- don’t work
What does the effectiveness of parliamentary scrutiny depend on?
Possible intro/conclusion
The strength of parliamentary institutions, political culture, the level of public engagement, and the willingness of both government and opposition members to fulfil their oversight responsibilities.
Describe the legislative process?
Begins with the proposal of a bill, goes though 2 readings some debates and a committee and report stage before its passed to the House of Lords who do a similar process.
If a law is not agreed in both houses we see what is called a ‘ping-pong’ as the bill is passed between both houses.
How does executive dominance challenge parliamentary sovereignty ?
the government controls parliaments agenda, sets the legislative timetable and typically commands a majority in the HoC allowing it to pass legislation with ease
