Theme B: The Role Of The Ministers And MPs

Question 1

What is the role of the Prime Minister?

Answer 1

The Prime Minister is an MP appointed by the monarch to lead the government.

Question 2

What are the four key roles of the Prime Minister?

Answer 2

1. Leadership of the country
2. Leadership of the party
3. Setting policy in line with their manifesto
4. Management and leadership of Cabinet ministers

Question 3

What responsibilities does the Prime Minister have?

Answer 3

1. Making decisions about national issues
2. Directing government policy
3. Running governmental departments
4. Overseeing government and the Civil Service
5. Proposing new laws
6. Answering minister’s questions during PM’s Question Time

Question 4

Who supports the Prime Minister in their role?

Answer 4

The Prime Minister is supported by senior civil servants.

Question 5

What is the title of the Prime Minister in relation to the Treasury?

Answer 5

The Prime Minister is also known as the First Lord of the Treasury.

Question 6

Who leads the official opposition in the House of Commons?

Answer 6

The leader of the second largest party.

Question 7

What is the role of the Shadow Cabinet?

Answer 7

To mirror the roles of the Cabinet and hold Cabinet ministers to account.

Question 8

How does the opposition influence government policy?

Answer 8

By developing policies in specific areas and may block or undermine government policy.

Question 9

What happens if the opposition wins the next election?

Answer 9

Shadow ministers often take Cabinet positions.

Question 10

What are the three main areas of responsibility for MPs?

Answer 10

1. Party responsibilities: promoting the party’s manifesto, voting in support of party policies, and behaving in line with party guidelines.
2. Common responsibilities: sitting on committees, participating in debates, voting on legislation, and representing their constituency.
3. Constituency responsibilities: running surgeries, representing constituents’ interests, attending local events, advocating local causes, supporting constituents with personal issues such as housing requirements, and writing letters of support.

Question 11

What are front-bench MPs?

Answer 11

Front-bench MPs are those with ministerial positions who are spokespeople for their party, so sit at the front.

Question 12

What are back-bench MPs?

Answer 12

Back-bench MPs do not have a shadow or ministerial position, so sit on benches behind the front benchers.

Question 13

What is the role of whips in Parliament?

Answer 13

Whips are MPs appointed to organise party members, with a key responsibility to ensure MPs vote in line with party views.

Question 14

What are two roles of the Speaker of the House of Commons?

Answer 14

1. To keep order in the House of Commons.
2. To call MPs to speak and chair debates.