The Selection of Members of the House of Commons and House of Lords Flashcards
The structure and role of the House of Commons and House of Lords -> Parliament -> UK Government
How are Members of Parliament (MPs) elected to the House of Commons?
MPs are elected through the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system, representing single-member constituencies
How many constituencies are there in the UK as of 2024?
The UK is divided into 650 constituencies.
Who reviews constituency boundaries, and how often?
Independent Boundary Commissions review boundaries every 8 years, with the latest review in 2023.
What is the required number of electors per constituency?
Constituencies must have between 69,724 and 77,062 electors.
What are the eligibility requirements to become an MP?
Candidates must be 18+ years old and a British, Commonwealth, or Irish citizen.
Which groups are ineligible to stand as MPs?
Civil servants, armed forces personnel, police officers, judges, bankrupt individuals, and members of the House of Lords.
How do major political parties select candidates?
Candidates are selected internally, often involving local party members.
What must independent candidates do to stand for election?
They must submit nomination papers with 10 signatures from registered voters and pay a £500 deposit, refundable if they secure at least 5% of the vote.
Who is eligible to vote in UK elections?
British citizens, qualifying Commonwealth citizens, and Irish citizens aged 18+.
What change did the Elections Act 2022 introduce regarding British citizens abroad?
British citizens abroad can now vote indefinitely.
Who is ineligible to vote in UK elections?
Peers in the House of Lords, prisoners, those convicted of electoral offenses, and non-qualifying foreign nationals.
What is the voter ID requirement introduced under the Elections Act 2022?
Voters must present accepted photographic ID to vote.
How are general elections now regulated?
The Fixed-term Parliaments Act (2011) was repealed by the Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act (2022), giving the Prime Minister prerogative to request Parliament’s dissolution.
When are by-elections held?
By-elections are held when an MP dies or resigns.
How many independent MPs were elected in the 2024 general election?
Six independent MPs were elected in 2024, compared to none in 2019.
Which notable MPs served as independents due to party resignation or expulsion?
Andrew Bridgen (expelled from the Conservative Party in 2023 for comparing COVID-19 vaccinations to the Holocaust), Rosie Duffield (resigned from Labour in 2024), and Jeremy Corbyn (elected as an Independent in 2024).
What percentage of MPs are backbenchers?
Approximately 75% of MPs are backbenchers.
Who are frontbenchers in the House of Commons?
Frontbenchers include government ministers and opposition Shadow Ministers, led by the Leader of the Opposition.
How many peers are there in the House of Lords as of 2024?
There are 799 peers, with no upper limit on membership size.
What are the categories of peers in the House of Lords?
Life Peers (687), Hereditary Peers (88), and Lords Spiritual (24 bishops of the Church of England).
How are Life Peers appointed?
They are recommended by the Prime Minister or the House of Lords Appointments Commission (HOLAC).
What is the role of HOLAC in appointments?
Established in 2000, HOLAC ensures propriety in appointments, though its recommendations are not binding.
How do boundary reviews contribute to electoral fairness?
They ensure equal representation by addressing population shifts.
What is a major criticism of the first-past-the-post system?
It is criticised for disproportionality, benefiting larger parties and disadvantaging smaller ones.
What is the main difference in representation between the Commons and the Lords?
The Commons provides democratic legitimacy through elections, while the Lords offers expertise and a long-term perspective
What is the tension MPs face between the delegate and trustee models?
MPs must balance representing constituents (delegate model) and exercising their own judgment (trustee model).
How does bicameralism balance representation and expertise?
The Commons represents democratic will, while the Lords provides expertise and a long-term perspective.
What is the debate surrounding electoral ID laws?
Whether they enhance security or suppress voter turnout.
Why is there a call for House of Lords reform?
To address perceived lack of accountability and legitimacy due to its non-elected nature.
