Representative function Flashcards

1
Q

Is Parliament democratically representative?

A

+ Each MP in HoC represents area of UK

  • FPTP distorts representation of parties, MPs often elected by less than 1/2 of constituents
  • Lords is unelected and unrepresentative
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2
Q

Does Parliament “look like” the UK?

A

Around 65% of MPs are male - women make up 51% of general population
10% MPs come from minority ethnic backgrounds - aronud 14% of population are BAME
Around 9% of MPs are queer - Around 95% of population is straight
Parties are making progress - Cameron’s A-List

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3
Q

What are the ways an MP can be a represntative?

A
  1. Burkean idea of representation - MPs deciding what they think is best for constituents and constituents trusting them to do so
  2. Delegate model - MPs are essentially “mouthpiece” of their constituents
  3. The doctrine of the mandate - MPs represent their party, which was elected with a mandate to carry out their manifesto
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