powers and functions

Question 1

5 functions of HoC

Answer 1

• legislating
• representing - constituents and party and social
• scrutiny of gov
• national debate
• redress of grievances

Question 2

HoL functions - 4

Answer 2

• legislating, parliamentary ping pong
• gov. scrutiny esp on secondary legislation
• representation of groups, social rep
• national debate
  delaying, debate, deliberation

Question 3

how are lords committees different to commons ones

Answer 3

• they often have more specialised knowledge as they can be appointed for their knowledge on a specific topic
• Robert Winston appointed for being a fertility dr and he developed IVF

Question 4

what is a select committee

Answer 4

• scrutinise government policy and implementation
• 19 in total, one per government department
• carry out inquiries and write reports
• chair is from any party –> elected by their peers
• independent of part allegiance and produce unanimous reports
• can call witnesses to meetings

Question 5

what is the liaison committee

Answer 5

• consists of all the chairs of departmental select committees
• overseas the work of the HoC and calls the PM to account
• PM must meet this committee twice a year

Question 6

what is the backbench business committee

Answer 6

• set up as part of the Wright Reforms 2010
• determines what business should be debated on the day allocated to backbench interests

Question 7

what is the public accounts committee

Answer 7

• scrutinises public spending and holds the government to account for the delivery of public services
• chair is always a member of the main opposition party
• all members are elected by MPs so aren’t controlled by whips or leaders
• government has no advantage on it, as it is independent