The structure and role of parliament

Question 1

What is Parliament?

Answer 1

The UK’s supreme legislative body, responsible for making and passing laws, composed of the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and the Sovereign.

Question 2

How is Parliament structured?

Answer 2

Parliament is a bicameral institution, with two houses: the elected House of Commons and the appointed House of Lords, along with the role of the Monarch.

Question 3

What is the House of Commons?

Answer 3

The lower house of Parliament, consisting of 650 elected MPs, which is the primary legislative body.

Question 4

What is an MP?

Answer 4

A Member of Parliament, elected to represent a constituency in the House of Commons

Question 5

How are MPs elected?

Answer 5

MPs are elected in general elections through a first-past-the-post system in individual constituencies.

Question 6

What is the House of Lords?

Answer 6

The upper house of Parliament, consisting of appointed life peers, bishops, and hereditary peers.

Question 7

How do members of the House of Lords come into power?

Answer 7

They are appointed by the Monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister or are bishops or hereditary peers.

Question 8

What are the main functions of Parliament?

Answer 8

The main functions include legislation, representation, scrutiny of the government, and budget approval.

Question 9

What are the roles of the House of Commons?

Answer 9

Passing legislation, representing constituents, scrutinizing the government, and approving budgets.

Question 10

What are the roles of the House of Lords?

Answer 10

Reviewing and amending legislation, scrutinizing government, and providing expert input.

Question 11

What is the role of an MP?

Answer 11

To represent constituents, participate in debates, scrutinize the government, and vote on legislation

Question 12

How is legislation passed?

Answer 12

A bill goes through multiple stages: First Reading, Second Reading, Committee Stage, Report Stage, Third Reading, and then moves to the other House before receiving Royal Assent.

Question 13

When does a bill become law?

Answer 13

After it passes both houses of Parliament and receives Royal Assent from the Monarch.

Question 14

What is secondary legislation? Give an example.

Answer 14

Laws made by an individual or body under powers given by an Act of Parliament, e.g., statutory instruments.

Question 15

What are Private Members’ Bills?

Answer 15

Bills introduced by MPs or Lords who are not part of the government, often through ballot bills, the ten-minute rule, or presentation bills.

Question 16

What are the main theories of parliamentary representation?

Answer 16

Delegate theory, trustee theory (Burkean), and mandate theory.

Question 17

What is the Burkean or trustee theory?

Answer 17

MPs act according to their own judgment for the best interests of constituents, as opposed to following constituents’ immediate demands.

Question 18

What is the delegate theory?

Answer 18

MPs act as a mouthpiece for their constituents’ views.

Question 19

What is mandate theory?

Answer 19

MPs follow the manifesto and policies of the party they represent.

Question 20

What are the kinds of committees in Parliament?

Answer 20

Select committees, public bill committees, and Lords committees.

Question 20

What are committees?

Answer 20

Smaller groups in Parliament that scrutinize legislation, government actions, and specific issues in detail.

Question 21

What are select committees?

Answer 21

Committees that examine the work of government departments and are permanent.

Question 22

How well do committees function in Parliament?

Answer 22

They are effective in scrutinizing the government but can lack enforcement power.

Question 23

How well does Parliament scrutinize the executive?

Answer 23

Through debates, questions, and committee work, though the effectiveness can be limited by party majority control.

Question 24

What is the role of the opposition in Parliament?

Answer 24

To challenge government policies, hold them accountable, and provide alternative policies.

Question 25

What is the significance of the opposition?

Answer 25

It is crucial for democratic balance, ensuring government transparency and accountability.

Question 26

What is the role of the Prime Minister?

Answer 26

To lead the government, make policy decisions, and represent the UK internationally.

Question 27

What is the role of the Speaker?

Answer 27

To preside over debates in the House of Commons, ensuring order and impartiality.

Question 28

What are whips?

Answer 28

Party officials who ensure party members vote according to the party line.

Question 29

Why would a whip be withdrawn from an MP

Answer 29

When an MP fails to follow the party line, they may lose their party’s endorsement.

Question 30

What is parliamentary privilege?

Answer 30

Legal immunity allowing MPs to speak freely in Parliament without risk of prosecution.

Question 31

What is a backbencher?

Answer 31

An MP or Lord who is not part of the government or opposition frontbench teams.