Scrutiny Flashcards
Types of Scrutiny
Committees
Debates
Questions
Explain UK committees
UK select committees are set up by the house of lords and the house of commons. These committees have been set up to check and report on many areas of government. The results of these reports are public.
Example of UK committees
In 2007 the commons treasury select committee questioned the governor of the bank of England over the collapse of Northern Rock
Explain US committees
American standing committees are very powerful as they can kill a bill. Killing a bill stops the bill from going into power. When a bill is introduced it is straight away assigned to a standing committee to be scrutinised.
Example US committees
In the last term of congress - only 4% of bills that were introduced became law, the majority died at committee stage.
Explain UK debates
The house of commons has many debates. Votes are often taken for these debates to see whether members support or reject what was proposed.
Example for UK debates
Hundreds of hours of time has been spent debating Brexit since 2016.
Explain US debates
Filibusters in the US are very long extended debates on a bill. A filibuster can be used to delay or even block legislation. They can take an extremely long about of time.
Example of US debates
One Filibuster lasted 24 hours and ended up being successful in blocking the bill.
Explain UK questions.
The PM answers questions every Wednesday at PMQ’s. In many peoples opinion PMQ’s aren’t very effective as they just turn into a shouting match.
Example of UK questions
In 2011 David Cameron said “calm down dear” to a female MP.
Explain US questions
In the US many important congressional hearings receive a lot of media attention.
Example of US questions
During Obamas time in office Fox news was very critical of him.
