the opposition

Question 1

what is the opposition?

Answer 1

-The largest political party in the HoC that isn’t in govt.
-Funded by ‘short money’ shows they’re important to parliament.
-The leader of the opposition is a key figure for scrutiny

Question 2

Opposing govt proposals

Answer 2

-Table amendments and force votes on issues- this should ensure that legislation is thought through and not rushed

Question 3

Strengths and limitations

Answer 3

+Opposition can be more effective when the govt as a small majority
-Sometimes difficult- a balancing act of criticising but also appearing capable.

Question 4

Offering alternatives

Answer 4

-Should appear as a ‘govt in waiting’- an alternative offer to the public, developing own policies.

Question 5

Strengths + limiations

Answer 5

+Depending on opposition/leader can present a credible alternative + force govt to ‘up their game’ –> Blair pre-97 + Cameron pre-2010
-Proposals can be pinched and repackaged e.g ‘increasing hours of childcare was pinched by Jeremy Hunt as it was popular.
-Difficult to prove that you would do a better job.
-Opposition may be divided and weak.

Question 6

Opposition days

Answer 6

-Opposition parties are permitted to a topic to debate on for 20 days in the parliamentary year.
-Allows them to advance their agenda or expose govt failings.

Question 7

Strengths + limitations

Answer 7

+20 days to set the agenda, by forcing vote (opposition day motion), it leads to U-turns e.g free school meals during holidays.
+Allows govt issues to beraised and govt failings can be exposed.
-Limited in time, so it’s easily igored.
-Govt tends to abstain to avoid embarrassing defeats.e.g Universal Credit extension