Parliament

Question 1

3 main functions of parliament

Answer 1

Scrutiny - hold accountable, vote of no confidence thatcher 1990
Representation - constituency interests in commons, large causes interests in Lords
Legislation - pass laws, most start in commons, lords can delay a year

Question 2

Other functions of Parliament

Answer 2

Debate issues (display talent)
Democratic as elected and held accountable

Question 3

Scrutiny of the executive: HOL (crucial when majority is strong in commons)

Answer 3

HOL (less party preference, can delay, unelected)
Select committees scrutinise gov departments (Public Accounts Committee, expenditure)
Public Bill Committees, in proportion to parties, evaluate bills, committee amendments can be ignored
HOL committees, expertise (2014/2015 lords defeated commons 11 times) Science and Technology committee
Salisbury convention (1945) lords not defeat manifesto

Question 4

Scrutiny of the executive: Committees

Answer 4

Select committees scrutinise gov departments (Public Accounts Committee, expenditure)
Public Bill Committees, in proportion to parties, evaluate bills, committee amendments can be ignored
HOL committees, expertise (2014/2015 lords defeated commons 11 times) Science and Technology committee

Question 5

Scrutiny of the executive: Commons

Answer 5

Prime Minister Questions 30 min about national/international issues, bad: too aggressive and unproductive
E petition if 100,000 signatures (sugar tax)
Vote of no confidence, Fixed term act may have removed this
Opposition, 2010-2016 9 defeats on votes, 20 opposition days to highlight unpopular policies

Question 6

Reforms on power of MPs

Answer 6

Secret ballot removes pressure when electing committee chair, chair is paid more to be independent
Back bench committee created 2010, 35 days a year agenda control, chair must be opposition (2012 Hillsborough disaster reopening)

Question 7

Parliamentary Privilege

Answer 7

Legal immunity for MPs but not always (expenses scandal)

Question 8

Regressive grievances

Answer 8

Unjust decisions by government

Question 9

EU referendum percentage

Answer 9

2016 48%-52%

Question 10

Theories of representation

Answer 10

Mandate, elected right to legislate
Delegate, Voice for the people to legislate
Trustee, people elected people they trust to legislate