Scrutiny of the Executive

Question 1

Scrutiny of executive

Answer 1

Scrutiny of executive means checking that the government is carrying out its function properly. Are its policies working well, is it spending taxpayers money wisely and how competent and well informed ministers are.

Question 2

Prime Ministers questions

Answer 2

MP’s and peers can ask questions, both written or oral of government ministers. Best example of this is PMQ’s

Question 3

Debates

Answer 3

There are debates in both the Commons and Lords that allows MP’s and Peers to share their views about government actions and policy

Question 4

Select Committees

Answer 4

Investigate and scrutinise actions by civil servants and ministers in each government department often holding hearings where they can summon witnesses for questioning

Question 5

Public Bill committees

Answer 5

Bills go through various stages in parliament often giving a chance for MP’s and peers to suggest changes to proposed laws. The committee stage undertaken by public bill committees gives an opportunity, away from the main chamber, to go through draft legislation more carefully clause by clause

Question 6

Vote of no confidence

Answer 6

A vote of no confidence by the commons can bring down a government although this is rare as most governments command a reliable majority in the commons. The last successful such vote was in 1979 when James Callaghan’s Labour government lost by one vote