Parliament- Essential Knowledge

Question 1

What are the main functions of parliament?

Answer 1

• Representing the electorate (bringing up people’s issues and views)
• Passing legislation (statute law comes through parliament)
• Scruntises work of the government
• Recurit pool for government ministers

Question 2

What powers does Parliament have?

Answer 2

• All national legislation must pass through parliament and obtain its approval
•Legal sovereignty resides in Parliament: “Parliament has, under the English constitution, the right to make and unmake any law what-ever” - A.V. Dicey
*Parliamentary privilege- parliamentarians cannot be prosecuted or sued for statement in the House

Question 3

What are backbenchers?

Answer 3

MPs who do not have ministerial positions (jobs in government) or shadow ministerial positions (jobs in the official opposition).

Question 4

What are frontbenchers?

Answer 4

MPs who hold a ministerial positions (jobs in the government) or shadow ministerial position (jobs in the official opposition).

Question 5

What is the role of The Speaker?

Answer 5

The Speaker acts as the chairperson of parliamentary sessions and seeks to uphold Parliamentary rules:
*The Speaker is elected from the ranks of MP’s and is politically neutral when appointed so they have to give up their party.
*Speaker keeps order making sure debates and discussions are productive.

Question 6

What is a by-election?

Answer 6

An election in a single consistency if that member of Parliament resigns or dies, an election is held to fill the vacant seat.