Parliament

Question 1

What is the role of parliament?

Answer 1

A legislature. To reflect public opinion and create, amend and repeal laws.

Question 2

Where does the word parliament come from?

Answer 2

The French “Parler” meaning to talk

Question 3

What are the two types of parliament?

Answer 3

Uni cameral - eg. Sweden Bicameral - UK

Question 4

Advantages of bi- cameral

Answer 4

Pluralism
More careful scrutiny of bills
Can slow down bills giving more time for debate
Ensure bills are workable

Question 5

Disadvantages of bicameral

Answer 5

Slows down government
Total gridlock ( Obama 1st term)
In UK second chamber are unelected
Can have a biased stance- stacked in governments favour

Question 6

What is a bill?

Answer 6

A proposal for a new law

Question 7

Example of private members bills?

Answer 7

Abortion act 1967 David Steele

Question 8

Stages for government bills?

Answer 8

First reading- no vote
Second reading- debate followed by vote
Select committee 
Report stage
3rd reading- vote

Question 9

Work of the Lords?

Answer 9

Consideration of bills
Initiating non- controversial bills
Power delay
Holding of debates- less yahoo

Question 10

When was the HOL reform bill and what were the changes wanted?

Answer 10

2012- move to stages to a more elected house

Reduced number of spiritual peers

Question 11

What is there in the HOL?

Answer 11

Opposition benches
Government benches
Cross benches
Bishops benches

Question 12

How many members in the HOL?

Answer 12

Approx 700

Question 13

The house should be reformed?

Answer 13

Non democratic- unelected
Unrepresentative- CofE only, 17% women, 3.5% ethnic minorities
PM appoints lords- Cameron considering 100 new Tory lords following tax credits defeat & Tony’s cronies- half the house
Maury poll 2012 majority of supporters of 3 main parties want reform
Is smaller house the answer?

Question 14

The house shouldn’t be reformed?

Answer 14

Carful scrutiny- free from whips, less adversarial, experts, against “tyranny of the majority” JS mill
Social Darwinism- John Major
Chamber has been effective- tax credits
Why would you duplicate a problematic house?

Question 15

Role of commons?

Answer 15

Creating and passing new legislation.
Controlling and raising public expenditure
Scrutinise the executive
Represent the people

Question 16

Role of Speaker

Answer 16

Control the house
Ensures everyone is heard- bobbing
Speaking has the casting vote when tied

Question 17

Female representation in the HOC?

Answer 17

More men in the house now that there has ever been women.

Question 18

Representation of graduates in HOC?

Answer 18

25% Oxbridge

75% graduates

Question 19

Why less women in HOC?

Answer 19

Sexist behaviour- Lovdndinski 2004- page 199 “rogering” “melons”
Backed up by Sarah champion 2014

Question 20

It matters that parliament is unrepresentative?

Answer 20

Representative democracy
Alternative participation- student riots, low turnout ethnic minorities
Lack of female role models
Sexist behaviour in house

Question 21

It doesn’t matter that house is unrepresentative

Answer 21

You don’t have to be part of a minority to represent them- clement Attlee, George Galloway, gay marriage legalised 17 LGBT MP’s
Generalisation of minorities
Ability is most important
Mandate theory- people shouldn’t vote based on MP’s background

Question 22

Meaning of sovereignty?

Answer 22

The ultimate authority

Question 23

Constraints on parliament?

Answer 23

The media
EU
The electorate
Pressure groups- trade unions

Question 24

Methods to scrutinise government?

Answer 24

Select committees
PMQ’s
UQ’s
20 opposition days

Question 25

Advantages of Select comittees?

Answer 25

Members may have a specialist field- Sarah Wollaston GP for 20 years
Non politicians may be questioned - Rupert Murdoch phone hacking
Less partisan and more effective
30/40% of recommendations become policy

Question 26

Disadvantage of Select comittees?

Answer 26

Small budget- only chair gets paid
Low profile
Represents make up of the house
Don’t Comment on upcoming legislation

Question 27

John Major quote(2000)

Answer 27

The House of Commons is seen as putty in the hands of any government with a secure majority and a good whipping system

Question 28

Average age of MP?

Answer 28

Following 2010- 50

Question 29

Minorities in the house?

Answer 29

143 women
27 Ethnic minorities
17 LGBT MP’s