The role of MP Flashcards
Role of a Member of Parliament
Represent constituents
Split time between being in the constituency and in the Westminster
Take part in debates
Ask question of Ministers
Help to scrutinise legislation and vote for legislation
Fix local problem
(In Parliament) Make laws
Constituency
The area represented by an MP
How many MPs in House of Commons
650
How many voters in a constituency
68,175
Turnout
The number of people attending or taking part in an election
Electorate
All those registered to vote
How often are general elections held?
Every 5 years
Safe seat
A legislative seat that is likely to retained with a large majority in an election
Marginal seat (Swing seat)
A constituency held with a small majority in a legislation election
Floating voter (Swing voter)
A voter who may not be associated with a particular political party (independent) of who will vote across party lines
Manifesto
A published statement of the aims and policies of a political party
Canvassing
When people try to persuade others to vote for their party in an election
By election
Take place when a seat in the House of Commons becomes vacant between general election
How much is the deposit that has to be paid if you wish to stand as a candidate in a general election?
£500 and a nomination form
2 Reason why a by-election might be held
1) To take up a job which by law cannot be done by a MP e.g The judicial system
2) A MP has died
