parliament - house of commons

Question 1

what is the name of the UK parliamentary system?

Answer 1

bicameral

Question 2

how are members of the house of commons chose?

Answer 2

chosen through election to represent single member consituencies, using the FPTP

Question 3

define what parliament is?

Answer 3

the british legislature made up of house of commons and house of lords and monarch

Question 4

when are general elections supposed to be held and what act is this under

Answer 4

• under the fixed terms parliament act (2011)
• to be held at regular intervals, at the end of a 5 year parliamentary term

Question 5

what situations can a general election be held?

Answer 5

• if a government looses a vote of no confidence and the prime minister cannot form an administration within 14 days
• or if two thirds of MP’s support a motion calling for an early election.

Question 6

what happens if an MP dies?

Answer 6

vacancy is filled by holding a by-election in that constituency.

Question 7

what are backbenchers?

Answer 7

• MP’s who do not have a ministerial or shadow-ministerial position
• occupy the benches in the debating chamber behind their leaders
• main role is to represent constituencies + expected to support the leaders of their respective parties.

Question 8

what are shadow ministers?

Answer 8

members of the opposition occupying the front bench that faces the government.

Question 9

how is the house of commons organised?

Answer 9

• 3/4 of total membership are backbenchers
• rest are front-benchers divided into members of the government
  + shadow members who are members of the opposition

Question 10

what is the opposition?

Answer 10

• the party with the second largest number of seats in the commons.
• criticises the government and oppose many of its legislative proposals.
• also seeks to present itself as an alternative government.