Parliament

Question 1

What are the functions of Parliament?

Answer 1

1. The passing of bills into laws.
2. Representation of the voting public through electorate and list MPs.
3. Approves spending of public money.
4. Holds the government accountable.

Question 2

What are the different forms of bills?

Answer 2

Government bills (introduced by Ministers).
Members bills (introduced by MPs that aren't Ministers. Usually selected from a ballot).
Local bills (introduced by local bodies- issues are usually of a local significance to that area).
Private bills (introduced by individuals or groups).

Question 3

Select committees

Answer 3

13 groups within parliament that vary in size from 5 to 12 members. Each committee specializes in a certain area of legislation. Each committee is usually made up primarily of the governing party in order to maintain a majority and to have the ability to pass the legislation that they want.

Question 4

Free votes.

Answer 4

When parties meet they are said to be in caucus. Upon voting on certain things, the party will generally always vote together. However for certain policies a free vote is allowed. This is usually done for more morally driven policies.

Question 5

Whips

Answer 5

Ensure that the decisions made in caucus are upheld by all the MPs when it comes to the actual vote. Maintain party discipline.

Question 6

Advantages for reducing parliament

Answer 6

1. This would be more cost effective. Fewer MPs means less salaries and so a cheaper for the taxpayer.
2. Parliament would likely be more efficient in passing legislation.
3. It could get rid of the list seats which are only seen as a ‘party hack’. People often question who the list MPs are supposed to represent.

Question 7

Disadvantages for reducing parliament

Answer 7

1. It will reduce the available pool of talent for the legislation to be chosen as ministers or appointed to cabinet.
2. It could take away from the quality of democracy in NZ. This would be due to the fact that the electorates would have to increase as a result of there being fewer MPs. This would mean a loss in the intimacy and accessibility between MPs and voters.
3. It would also lead to an increase in the power of the executive as they will be able to pass legislation easier with fewer opposition. Reduces the level to which the government can be held accountable.

Question 8

Advantages for increasing the term

Answer 8

1. Longer terms will be cheaper as trienial elections need to be organised every three years. A longer term is also less disruptive to the lives of the voters.
2. It allows for more long-term political agenda. Currently in a three year term, most of the time is spent merely trying to pass the actual bill and then the rest is spent on preparation for the next election. As a result, there is little actual implementation of any legislation.
3. A longer term will also give voters a better opportunity to see how effective the current government is. This allows for a more in form decision at the next election.

Question 9

Disadvantages for increasing the term

Answer 9

1. Longer terms will give more power to the executive.
2. There is less democratic accountability as elections will be held less frequently meaning that the public essentially has a decreased say.
3. There is risk of a bad government remaining in power for longer.
4. typically, most governments last 2 to 3 terms anyway.

Question 10

Discuss the upper house.

Answer 10

Currently NZ does not have an upper house after demolishing the Legislative Council in 1950. The lack of an upper house means that the executive has more power and is able to pass legislation much easier. Reinstatement of the upper house would mean that legislations would be more closely reviewed and wouldn’t be passed as quickly.