Parliament Key Terms

Question 1

Parliament

Answer 1

The British legislature made up of the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and the monarch.

Question 2

House of Commons

Answer 2

The primary chamber of the UK legislature, directly elected by voters.

Question 3

House of Lords

Answer 3

The second chamber of the UK legislature, not directly elected by voters.

Question 4

Confidence and supply

Answer 4

The rights to remove the government and to grant or withhold funding. Also used to describe a type of informal coalition agreement where the minority partner agrees to provide these things in exchange for policy concessions.

Question 5

Salisbury convention

Answer 5

The convention whereby the House of Lords does not delay or block legislation that was included in a governments manifesto.

Question 6

Parliamentary privilege

Answer 6

The rights of MP’s or Lords to make certain statements within Parliament without being subject to outside influence, including law.

Question 7

Legislative bills

Answer 7

Proposed laws passing through Parliament.

Question 8

Select committies

Answer 8

Committee responsible for scrutinising the work of government, particularly of individual government departments.

Question 9

Opposition

Answer 9

The MP’s and Lords who are not members of the governing party or parties.

Question 10

Backbenchers

Answer 10

MP’s or Lords who do not hold any government office.

Question 11

Public bill committees

Answer 11

Committees responsible for looking at bills in detail.