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
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
3
Q
What are the ways an MP can be a represntative?
A
- Burkean idea of representation - MPs deciding what they think is best for constituents and constituents trusting them to do so
- Delegate model - MPs are essentially “mouthpiece” of their constituents
- The doctrine of the mandate - MPs represent their party, which was elected with a mandate to carry out their manifesto