The UK Parliament Flashcards
Is the UK parliament a rule-maker?
Fundamentally, yes. It makes the legislature, therefore makes the laws in which the country abides by. However, it could be argued Parliament is a rule-taker. This is because the executive makes the proposed laws, which only become acts when Parliament vote on them.
Why do private members bills rarely pass?
It is rare they get full support from the government. MPs rarely vote for PMBs, as they fear going against their parties wishes.
Is Parliament effective in checking the power of the executive?
There are many ways Parliament scrutinise the executive. One way is through Prime Ministers questions. However, this is only for 30 minutes each week. Departmental Select Committees are permanent bodies which check executive power. Ultimately, Parliament has the key in that it can trigger a vote of no confidence. However, the last time this happened was 1979.
What sort of system of Parliament does the UK have with respect to its chambers?
Bicameral
Who elects the speaker of the commons?
MPs
How many hereditary peers are the Lords restricted to?
92
List three functions of the House of Commons
- Make legislation
2.Hold the executive to account
3.Providing ministers to form government
The Lords can prevent legislation from becoming law indefinitely - True or False?
False - can only delay for up to 1 year
The convention that the Lords is unable to oppose policies in the government manifesto is called what?
Salisbury Convention
What are the consequences of hung parliaments on backbenchers?
Backbenchers have more power when the government has a smaller majority, as every vote could threaten the passing of legislation. Contrastingly, when around 40 Labour MPs rebelled against the Iraq war, this was not significant as Blair had such a large majority.
How do MPs use parliamentary privilege?
It gives them legal immunity over what they say in Parliament. A Labour peer used parliamentary privilege in 2018 to name a businessman accused of sexual harassment and bullying, Sir Philip Green
What roles does the official opposition fulfil?
The opposition uses PMQs, adjournment debates and question time to challenge the executive. The opposition often votes against government legislation to demonstrate discontent.
Define ‘uncodified’
The UK constitution is not written in one clear document
Define ‘unentrenched’
Constitution is not difficult to amend
Define ‘Unitary’
The UK constitution is one that outlines a highly powerful central government
Define ‘twin pillars’
Parliamentary sovereignty and rule of law
Define ‘backbenchers’
MPs who do not sit in the front two benches. All political parties have backbenchers.
How many questions can the leader of the opposition ask during PMQs?
6
List three possible problems with PMQs
- Questions are often planted
- More about political point scoring
- Often can be theatrical
List two ways the House of Lords is effective in scrutinizing the government
- No single party controls the Lords, increasing non-partisanship
- Life peerages mean that the Lords don’t have to worry about losing the party whip
What happens during the report stage?
Amendments that have been made in the committee stage are discussed
Explain the Strathclyde Review
The Strathclyde in 2015 review recommended that the House of Lords should not be able to stop secondary legislation passing, but instead ask the House of Commons to rethink its proposal
Which bill does the House of Commons have exclusive power to amend?
Finance Bills
Which chamber is said to be subordinate?
House of Lords
