parliament essay

Question 1

Comparative Powers

Answer 1

1. Has supreme legislative authority on all legislation, especially regarding to financial matters
2. Cannot permanently block legislation.

Question 2

Composition: Commons

Answer 2

1. Argued that it is too influenced by white, middle-class and privately educated men
2. House of Commons 2019 had 34% women and 10% BAME, compared to 18% nationally.
3. Brings about questions about Parliament’s legitimacy in reflecting the broad spectrum of British people

Question 3

Composition: Lords

Answer 3

1. Elitist and unrepresentative, with peers appointed based on political connections, expertise, or aristocratic heritage
2. In 2023, the total membership was 821 with only 29% were women and 6% were ethnic minorities.
3. 270 Conservative, 184 Crossbench, 175 Labour.

Question 4

Democratic Representation: Commons

Answer 4

1. Directly elected though FPTP- ensures clear representation for constituencies it can lead to disproportionate outcomes.
2. For example, Labour only received 34% of the vote but gained roughly 2/3 of the seats 411 seats.
3. The whip system makes it difficult for MPs to represent the electorate’s views- 7 Labour MPs had the whip removed when they voted to remove the 2 child benefit cap

Question 5

Democratic Representation: Lords

Answer 5

1. Unelected and consists of 92 hereditary peers, life peers and bishops.
2. This could weaken democratic legitimacy, as they can exercise influence without direct accountability
3. Tony Blair removed all but 92 hereditary peers, in 2024 Labour proposed a bill to remove them.

Question 6

Legislation: Lords

Answer 6

1. Can delay non financial bills for up to one year.
2. Use expertise to scrutinise

Question 7

Role in Legislation: Commons

Answer 7

1. Most legislation is introduced in the Commons. The European Union (Withdrawal) Act in 2018, was intensely debated and amended during its passage through the Commons.
2. They provide consent to legitimise the decision.
3. A convention has developed that they should be consulted over military action.

Question 8

Scrutinising: Lords

Answer 8

1. They play a crucial role by proposing amendments to legislation passed by the Commons.
2. In December 2021, the Lords made 127 recommendations for enhanced public security.
3. Secondary Legislation Security Committee plays a valuable role in highlighting when statutory instruments are badly worded.
4. The Lords includes crossbench peers- independent members- who provide non-partisan scrutiny. Their expertise from their professions contributes significantly to debates on issues like healthcare.

Question 9

Scrutinising Role: Commons

Answer 9

1. Prime Minister’s Questions, MPs question the PM weekly but can often descend into political theatre. Heated exchanges on critical issues like Brexit and COVID-19 policy.
2. An MP may request an emergency debate. If a speaker sllows it they may have 3 minutes to make their case.
3. Public Accounts Committee scrutinise the work of government depeartments and public bodies. Investigation into the NHS Test and Trace system during COVID-19, exposed significant issues with its spending.