The legislature

Question 1

Identify two functions/powers of the House Of Lords

Answer 1

• Delay bills passage for 1 year. Previously the House of Lords could veto bills, but had their power reduced under the Parliament Act (1911) to delay a bill for 2 years. This was reduced under the Parliament Act (1949) to delay a bill for 1 year.
• Scrutinize Commons legislation; the bill must go through the same passage process in the Lords as it does in the Commons. However, under the Salisbury Convention, policy in the government’s manifesto is passed, with minimal scrutiny.

Question 2

What are select Committees

Answer 2

Committees that review their respective departmental actions or policy proposal in depth, by collating data and making suggestions to the department on how to improve the action/policy. The Committees used to be selected by party whips, but since The Wright Reforms of 2010 have been elected by parliament, and are representative of the party balance in the House of Commons. There are 11 members on the committees. According to the Nuffield Foundation only 40% of recommendations are accepted, however civil servants now consider how their policy would do under a select committee, and alter it based on that.

Question 3

What are Public Bill Committees

Answer 3

Ad Hoc Committees formed each time a bill reaches the committee stage in the passage of a bill, with 16 members representing the party balance in the Commons/Lords. The Committee amends and reviews bills, before dissolving.

Question 4

Outline the 4 methods of scrutiny

Answer 4

Question Time: the most high profile being PMQs, which occurs every Wednesday. Questions are drafted so it is efffectively Parliamentary theatre.
Opposition: Largest party not in government must fulfill 2 roles; oppose legislation and and harry the government via tabling amendments and forcing votes.
Debate: MPs can express their view and influence policy via debates.
Select Committees