Parliament Flashcards
What is the name of the UK’s system of government and what does it entail?
A “bi-cameral” system with two legislative chambers; the House of
Commons (the Lower House) and the House of Lords (the Upper House).
How many MPs sit in the House of Commons?
650
Roughly how many MPs form the government and what are they known as?
About 100 - made up of ministers and junior ministers. This is the executive.
What does the second largest party form?
The official opposition and they appoint a shadow cabinet.
What are the rest of the MPs known as?
Backbench MPs
How do backbench MPs hold the executive to account?
By asking written or oral questions of the Prime Minister and his/her ministers.
In which four other ways can MPs try and make change happen?
- By taking part in debates in the Commons.
- Voting on Bills.
- Raising issues through Early Day Motions, Urgent Debates and Adjournment Debates.
- Introducing their own legislation – a Private Members’ Bill. (MPs are chosen by ballot to do this.)
Which two types of committee can MPs be elected to and what does this entail?
They can be elected to Select Committees and Bill Committees.
Select Committees are a group of backbenchers that scrutinise the work of particular departments (e.g. the Home Affairs Select Committee)
Bill Committees are a group of backbenchers that scrutinise a particular Bill as it passes through the Commons.
What are Whips?
MPs appointed to maintain party discipline among their fellow MPs.
Which body regulates MPs salaries and expenses and why was it set up?
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA). It was set up following the 2009 expenses scandal.
Who is the Speaker?
An MP who is supposed to be politically neutral and who chairs the debates.
What is Hansard?
The official record of Parliamentary business.
