Representation and Participation Flashcards
No Act of Parliament can lawfully be set aside by any act of the executive or judiciary, nor is any Parliament bound by the actions of any previous Parliament. True or False
True
Unique to the British system, the political power exerted by the House of Commons is unlimited, though the Commons never pushes the envelope. True or False
False
Today, the balance of institutional power in Britain has shifted from Parliament to the governing party (or at present parties backing the coalition) and the executive. True or False
True
To become law, bills must be introduced in the House of Commons and the House of Lords, although approval by the latter is not required. True or False
True
Most significantly, the Lords serves mainly as a chamber of revision, providing expertise in redrafting legislation, with the power to suggest amendments to legislation under consideration in the Commons. True or False
True
The Lords can debate, refine, and delay—but not block—legislation. True or False
True
Since the 1970s, backbenchers are markedly more deferential because they hope to one day assume a leadership role. True or False
False
Although select committees are supposed to scrutinize the activities of the government ministries and its employees, rarely if ever will the former’s reviews and recommendations be at odds with government policy for fear of losing their clout. True or False
False
Since the mid-1970s in Britain, there has been a decline in class-based voting. True or False
True
Conservatives made far less trouble for Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair on Iraq than did members of the Labour Party. True or False
True
Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron has promised to reduce poverty both in Britain and globally, take on climate change as a priority, and ensure security from terrorism. True or False
True
The core constitutional principle defining the role of the legislature and, in a sense, the whole system of British government: a) collective responsibility, b) legislative adjudication, c) parliamentary sovereignty, d) executive privilege.
c) parliamentary sovereignty
Why does the House of Commons no longer legislate in a meaningful way? a) Because the prime minister can veto any legislation that is being considered, b) Because interest groups have taken over the governing functions that exist, c) Because the Crown has neutralized the ability of popular will from exercising true power, d) Because a single governing party has a majority of the seats and can control the legislative agenda and pass legislation at will.
d) Because a single governing party has a majority of the seats and can control the legislative agenda and pass legislation at will
As of 2010, the House of Commons has how many seats? a) 650, b) 700, c) 750, d) 800.
a) 650
What very important function does the House of Commons play? a) It determines the legislative agenda, b) It prioritizes what legislation will be heard, c) It provides a highly visible arena for policy debate among contending parties, d) It organizes the various pieces of legislation into a coherent whole for ratification.
c) It provides a highly visible arena for policy debate among contending parties
Why would members (MPs) of the governing party be reluctant to rebel against their leader in the House of Commons? a) Because they feel an obligation to constituent interest groups, b) Because they do not want the unnecessary political attention, c) Because the EU would then get involved in the internal politics of Britain, d) Because the consequences of calling an election to remove the prime minister may also cost them their job
d) Because the consequences of calling an election to remove the prime minister may also cost them their job
Although a variety of groups are involved in proposing and introducing legislation, proposed legislation on behalf of the government is normally drafted by: a) civil servants, b) the cabinet, c) the Commons, d) career politicians.
a) civil servants
After a second reading, usually a bill then goes for detailed review to: a) the cabinet, b) career bureaucrats, c) a standing committee, d) the House of Lords.
c) a standing committee
According to custom, the House of Lords must pass bills concerning taxation or budgetary matters: a) with necessary changes that may require greater precision, b) with the right to only look at the language but cannot alter the spirit of what is being revised, c) with the necessary recommendations included to assure that the budget is balanced with the expenditure side being included, d) without alteration.
d) without alteration.
How many members comprise the House of Lords as of 2011? a) 400, b) 740, c) 1,200, d) 1500.
b) 740
The following are MPs of the governing party who have no government office and rank-and-file opposition members in the Commons: a) backbenchers, b) junior subordinates, c) standing committee members, d) shadow opponents.
a) backbenchers
The following help Parliament exert control over the executive by examining specific policies or aspects of administration: a) oversight committees, b) select committees, c) executive committees, d) authorization committees.
b) select committees
From 1945 through 2005, the Conservative and Labour parties had won how many general elections? a) 4, b) 6, c) 8, d) 10
c) 8
Throughout the postwar period the two major political parties in Britain have routinely divided what percentage of the seats in the House of Commons? a) 60%, b) 67%, c) 75%, d) 85%
d) 85%
