The legislature

Question 1

What body does government take place through?

Answer 1

Parliament

Question 2

What does parliament do?

Answer 2

• Approves proposals for new laws
• Holds the executive to account by scrutinising their policies and actions

Question 3

What type of legislature does the UK have?

Answer 3

A bicameral legislature, consisting of the lords and commons

Question 4

Which chamber has been predominant for over a century?

Answer 4

The commons

Question 5

State the three key elements in the primacy of the commons

Answer 5

• Legitimacy
• Exclusive powers
• Conventions

Question 6

Why does the commons represent legitimacy?

Answer 6

The commons has greater legitimacy than the lords because it is directly elected and accountable to the electorate, whereas members of the upper house have either been appointed or inherited their title

Question 7

Explain the exclusive powers of the commons

Answer 7

The commons has the right to insist on legislation; which means the lords can only delay bills for a year. The lords are also unable to delay or amend money bills. Only the commons has the power to dismiss the government through a vote of confidence

Question 8

How is the working of the commons upheld by convention

Answer 8

By convention, the lords should not oppose bills fulfilling manifesto commitments, unduly delay government business or reject government legislation