Parliament

Question 1

Three Elements of Parliament

Answer 1

House of Commons
House of Lords
Queen in Parliament

Question 2

When does it meet

Answer 2

Bill of rights 1698 - Frequently
Meeting of Parliament 1694 - 1 every 3 years
Convention - meet at least once a year

Question 3

What is the length of parliament

Answer 3

Parliament Act 1911 - from 7 years to 5 years

Question 4

Fixed term Parliament Act

Answer 4

Fixed term elections

Early elections can only be held in specific circumstances

Question 5

What are the two circumstances where an early election can be held

Answer 5

If there is a 2/3’s majority in the HC calling for an election
If a motion of no confidence is passed and no alternative government is not formed within 14 days

Question 6

The main functions of Parliament are

Answer 6

Government formation
Enactment of Legislation
Scrutiny of the Government
Financial procedures

Question 7

Government Formation

Answer 7

Queens ministers are drawn from the majority party in the HC and HL
Ministers are required eithers MP’s or Peers

Question 8

Enactment of Legislation

Answer 8

Parliamentary Bills: Publics and Private Member Bills
Petition: Asks for a change to a law or to government policy
10,000 signatures response from government
100,000 Considered for debate in Parliament

Question 9

Stages of a Bill

Answer 9

Drafting
First reading - Title proposed
Second Reading - First op for the Bill to be debated
Committee stage - Problems discussed, bill examined inn detail
Report stage - Amended Bill now returns to the House for debate
Third Reading - Finial stage Bill. No further amendments can be made

Question 10

Scrutiny and Control

Answer 10

Parliamentary Questions
Parliamentary Debate
Select Committee
Convention of responsible government or Ministerial Responsibility

Question 11

Parliamentary Questions

Answer 11

Problems with it; 
Only 30 mins 
Political point scoring 
Ministers are not bound by it 
Ministers may refuse to answer questions

Question 12

Debates

Answer 12

Debates during he legislative process
The daily adjourning debate 
the emergency adjournment debate 
20 days set aside for opposition parties 
Private Members motions

Question 13

Selection Committee

Answer 13

Found in both houses of Parliament
HC Select Committees: Examining the work of government

HL select committees: concentrate on five main areas; Europe, Science, Economics, Communication and UK constitution

Question 14

Problems with select Committees

Answer 14

• No legislative or executive powers; Publicity is the main weapon
• There is no section to compel attendance
• Limited Funding
• Limited time, Particularly in the Commons, to debate - - Committee report
• Continued influence of Party whips

Question 15

Financial Procedures

Answer 15

• Government Estimates
• Statutory authorisation
• The budget

Question 16

The Working of House of Commons

Answer 16

The opposition - Largest political party that’s not the government is the opposition

Question 17

Opposition role

Answer 17

Shadow the Government
Follow and Scrutinise Government Departments
Can be consulted in times of emergency. +