Representing the Electorate: The Commons Only

Question 1

What is the source of legitimacy for the House of Commons?

Answer 1

The Commons derives its legitimacy from being directly elected by the public.

Question 2

How are MPs expected to balance their roles?

Answer 2

MPs are expected to represent their constituencies while balancing national interests.

Question 3

What electoral system is used in the UK to elect MPs, and what are its impacts?

Answer 3

First-Past-the-Post (FPTP): It strengthens the connection between MPs and their constituencies but distorts proportional representation.

Question 4

How are MPs held accountable to their constituents?

Answer 4

Through regular general elections, providing a mechanism for democratic accountability.

Question 5

What is the trustee model of representation?

Answer 5

MPs use their judgment to make decisions, reflecting Edmund Burke’s trustee model, rather than acting solely on constituents’ instructions.

Question 6

What progress has been made in gender representation in the House of Commons?

Answer 6

Women make up 41% of the Commons in 2024, a significant increase from 3.5% in 1983 and 22% in 2010, but still below parity with the UK population (51%).

Question 7

What is the representation of ethnic minorities in the Commons?

Answer 7

14% of MPs are from ethnic minority backgrounds (2024), compared to 17% of the population in England and Wales.

Question 8

What does the median age of MPs in 2024 indicate?

Answer 8

At 46, the 2024 Parliament is the youngest in over 50 years.

Question 9

How does the socioeconomic background of MPs compare to the general UK population?

Answer 9

23% of MPs attended private schools (compared to 7% of the population), and fewer MPs come from manual labor or union backgrounds.

Question 10

What professions dominate the Commons as of 2015?

Answer 10

MPs from business, finance, and law collectively accounted for over half of all MPs, highlighting a dominance of high-status professions.

Question 11

What are the challenges MPs face in their representative function?

Answer 11

1. Conflict between party loyalty and constituency representation.
2. Underrepresentation of certain groups.
3. Electoral system flaws like lack of proportional representation under FPTP.

Question 12

How do MPs address constituency concerns?

Answer 12

1. Surgeries: Regular sessions with constituents.
2. Casework: Addressing individual issues like housing and immigration.
3. Local Advocacy: Raising constituency-specific issues in Parliament

Question 13

What are Pitkin’s dimensions of representation?

Answer 13

• Descriptive Representation: Reflecting the demographic makeup of the electorate.
• Substantive Representation: Acting in the interests of constituents.

Question 14

What is the mandate vs. trustee model of representation?

Answer 14

MPs balance the mandate model (following party manifesto) with the trustee model (exercising personal judgment).

Question 15

What are the strengths of the Commons’ representative function?

Answer 15

1. Strong constituency links through FPTP.
2. Regular elections ensure accountability.
3. Improved diversity in gender and ethnic representation

Question 16

What are the weaknesses of the Commons’ representative function?

Answer 16

1. Party dominance undermines local representation.
2. Persistent demographic disparities, including underrepresentation of women and working-class backgrounds.
3. FPTP electoral flaws lead to unrepresentative outcomes

Question 17

What are some key questions for evaluating the Commons’ representative function?

Answer 17

• To what extent does Parliament reflect the diversity of UK society?
• How effectively can MPs reconcile constituency advocacy with party loyalty?
• Does the FPTP system enhance or undermine the representative function of the Commons