Parliament Flashcards
How are members of the House of Commons chosen?
Through election, using FPTP, to represent single member constituencies.
What is the usual case of members running for election in the HoC?
They’re usually chosen and supported by political parties.
What should happen according to the 2011 Fixed term Parliamnt Act?
General Elections are supposed to be held at regular intervals, at the end of a fixed 5 year parliamentary term.
In what situations can an early general election be called according to the 2011 Fixed Term Parliamentary Act?
1) if a government loses a vote of no confidence and the prime minister fails to form a new administration within 14 days
2) or if two-thirds of MPs support a motion calling for an early election - May called an early general election in June 2017 with the support of the necessary proportion of MPs.
How is the vacancy filled if an MP dies/retires during a parliamentary term?
Vacancy is filled by holding a by-election in the constituency.
What are most MPs?
Members of a political party.
What are most MPs?
Members of a political party.
Only one independent MP elected in the 2017, 2015 and 2010 elections.
What may happen if an MP resigns or is expelled from a party?
MP may serve out the rest of their term as an independent- e.g. MP, Douglas Carsewell left ot become and independent in March 2017.
What are the majority of MPs known as?
Backbenchers
What are backbenchers?
MPs who don’t have a ministerial or shadow ministerial position. They occupy the benches in the debating chambers behind their leaders. Their main role is to represent their constituency. They are also expected to support the leaders of their parties.
What are the members who aren’t backbenchers known as?
Frontbenchers.
How are front benchers subdivided?
Into members of the government and ‘shadow’ ministers, who are members of the opposition and occupy the front bench that faces the government.
Who makes up the opposition in HoCs?
Usually the party with the second-largest number of seats in the Commons. It’s role is to criticise the government and oppose many of its legislative proposals. Also seeks to represent itself as an alternative government.
Who is the shadow cabinet headed by?
Headed by the leader of the opposition. Since September 2015 this has been Crobyn leader of the Labour party.
In terms of membership, what does the House of Lords not have?
It doesn’t have an upper limit on the size of its membership.
