Parliament Flashcards
Why is the HoC descriptively representative?
there’s 263 women, 90 ethnic minority, 68 LGBTQ+ and 9 disabled MPs.
Why isn’t the HoC descriptively representative?
very middle class, 23% privately educated (7% of the population)
Why is the HoL descriptively representative?
they’re slowly improving, number of ethnic minority lords has doubled since 2001.
Why isn’t the HoL descriptively representative?
71% male, 94% white
Why is parliament democratically representative?
MPs are elected, they represent a specific area, clear mandate from the people, hear constituent grievances.
Why isn’t parliament democratically representative?
FPTP, some MPs are elected without a majority, HoL unelected, no direct mandate.
What are the three functions of Parliament?
representative, scrutiny, legislative.
What is parliamentary ping pong?
When a bill goes back and forth between the two houses.
What are the types of Lords?
Lords spiritual, hereditary, people, life.
What % of votes and seats did Labour in 2024?
34% votes, 63% seats.
What’s an example of an MP representing their constituents?
Nandy voting for Brexit legislation despite her personal beliefs because her constituents voted 63-37% for Brexit.
What’s an example of an MP not representing their constituents?
Pidcock consistently voted against Brexit when her constituents voted 55-45%.
What can’t the HoL do?
delay money bills, defeat measures in govt manifesto, have select committees focused on scrutinising departments.
How long can the Lords delay a bill for?
1 year.
How is Parliament effective at scrutinising the govt?
PMQs, urgent Qs, Public Bill Committees can call on experts outside parliament, select committees much more independent, Wright reforms give backbenchers more control and ability to debate issues of their choosing, opposition have privileged position, lords can debate freely.
