Structure and Role of Parliament

Question 1

What are three types of scrutinising the executive

Answer 1

PMQs
Debates
Select Committees

Question 2

Name an example of effective PMQs

Answer 2

Paul Goggins question led to a u turn over child trust funds for care children

Question 3

Name an example of ineffective PMQs

Answer 3

Manchester Uni found that 20% of gov MP questions used to praise government and 15% criticise opposition

Question 4

Name an example of effective debates

Answer 4

2013 - Ed Miliband effectively debated against military action in Syria

Question 5

Name an example of ineffective debates

Answer 5

Between 2010-15 only 0.5% of non gov amendments passed

Question 6

Name two examples of effective select committees

Answer 6

Home Affairs Committee press mentions increase from 295 to 2,033 in 4 years

PAC highlighted inefficiencies in NHS test and trace spending - only 96million registered out 691 million

Question 7

name two examples of ineffective select committees

Answer 7

UCL found only 44% of recommendations are taken up and 66% are not implemented

Dominic Cummings, Mark Zuckerberg refusing to appear before committees

Question 8

What are the 3 types of bills in parliament

Answer 8

Public bills - for all people

Private bills - only for individuals

Private Members Bill - public bills brought by backbench MPs

Question 9

What are the stages of passing legislations

Answer 9

First reading - introduction

Second reading - voting on principles

Committee stage - public committee analyse

Report stage - changes from committee stage

Third reading - final vote

Question 10

What are the three theories of representation

Answer 10

Burkean Theory
Mandate Theory
Delegate Theory

Question 11

What is the Burkean Theory with an example

Answer 11

MPs should use their own judgement to represent constituents

EG: Votes of conscience up to Mp beliefs - 2013 gay marriage vote with 136 Tory MPs against

Question 12

What is the delegate theory with an example

Answer 12

Elected MPs should directly represent the wishes of there constituents

EG: Stephen Lloyd went against own views on Brexit and went with Leave for constituency

Question 13

what is the mandate theory with an example

Answer 13

Elected officials represent not just their constituency but also their party manifesto

EG: BOJO “get Brexit done” followed the manifesto

Question 14

Name three committees and examples

Answer 14

Public Bill Committee
EG: Reviewed online safety bill suggesting changes for child safety

Liaison Committee
EG: questioned BoJo on handling of COVID and party gate

Lords Select Committee
EG: Lords science and tech committee investigated UK preparation for future pandemics - 2021

Question 15

Give two examples of parliament having strong governmental influence

Answer 15

Backbench Business Committee gives backbenchers 35 days where they control the order paper

In 2018 - 30% of parliamentary time was given to backbench activities - debates and questions

Question 16

Give two examples of parliament having weak governmental influence

Answer 16

Strong whipping ays, - 2019 - 21 Tory MPs had whip remove voting for no deal Brexit

Civil Service Code ensures behaviour of civil servants - In 2016 Oliver Robbins was removed from Home Office for failing to answer questions

Question 17

Name three roles of the opposition

Answer 17

Nominate topics for debates
Provide scrutiny
Suggest amendments