Scrutiny And Accountability

Question 1

How does the House of Commons scrutinise the executive ?

Answer 1

Scrutinise governments legislative proposals and exercise general scrutiny and oversight role + leader of opposition via PMQ’s

Question 2

How does the government face scrutinisation?

Answer 2

They face questions from mps on floor of house
Parliamentary timetable includes question time session for government minister to answer

Question 3

How can backbenchers scrutinise the executive?

Answer 3

They may ask constituency questions, often set up questions from whips intending to flatter government

Question 4

How does the leader of the opposition scrutinise the executive?

Answer 4

Tries to highlight government policy failure

Question 5

Arguments for PMQ’s?

Answer 5

High profile and widely publicised
Keep PM’s on goes and directly accountable to parliament
Proves PM’s ability to maintain composure
Forced PM to answer key issues of day, direct method of scrutiny

Question 6

Arguments against PMQ’s

Answer 6

Poorly composed, bad behaviour, time wasted arguing- philebustering
mp’s from governing party use this to ask questions that pain government in a positive light
Environment for “punch and Judy”
Politics + party point scoring

Question 7

What advantages does the leader of the opposition have?

Answer 7

Special privileges + additional salary, have the right to respond first to pm on major statements
Also appoint cabinet to follow the work of government departments

Question 8

What are the two tasks of the opposition?

Answer 8

Oppose many of give legislative proposals + harry government by tabling amendments and forcing votes
Government in waiting- developing own polices- when gov has small
Majority, could force U-turn