the structure and role of parliament Flashcards
scrutiny of the Executive
the process by which opposition MPs ask questions and critique government actions, thereby holding government to account.
House of Commons
the elected portion of parliament and where most of the power lies.
House of Lords
the unelected and least powerful chamber in parliament.
member of parliament (MP)
person directly elected by votes to sit in the House of Commons.
peers (lord)
member of the house of lords, unelected and chosen for life or until they decide to retire.
delegates
elected official authorised to represent and act as a mouthpiece for their constituents.
trustees
elected official who takes into account the needs of their constituents before exercising their own judgement when making political decisions.
Burkean theories of representation
theory that argues elected officials are purely representatives of their voters. once elected, they are entirely free to act in the interests of their electors as they see fit.
delegate theories
theory that views MPs as being bound by the wishes of their constituents-what the constituents wants, the constituents get from their MP.
mandate theories
arguably the most prevalent representation theory in modern UK politics. it suggests that MPs are primarily in their position to represent and carry out their party’s policies and manifesto.
parliamentary privilege
exemption of MPs and peers from the laws of slander and contempt of court in order to uphold principle of free speech within parliament. it doesn’t apply beyond Westminster, nor does it grant MPs/peers immunity from prosecution for criminal offences.
opposition
those parties not in government. e.g: labour, liberal democrats
legislation
measures put before parliament that, once passed, become law.
debate
discussions in the main chamber that takes place during the passage of a bill, especially during the second reading.
regressive grievances
the process by which individuals can approach their MP with complaints about their treatment by government and its agencies, such as local councils, or government bodies such as HMRC. it is a requirement that the MP will seeks a remedy to the issue.
