Topic 7: The Structure and Role of Parliament

Question 1

1. Explain and analyse 3 functions of Parliament:

Answer 1

1. Legislation – Passing laws - marital rape 1991 - sexual offences act 2003
2. Scrutiny – Select Committees -Public Accounts Committee - investigate gov departments - Covid £4bn wasted on PPE
3. Representation – MPs representing constituents (e.g., 2019 protests on climate change).

Question 2

2. Explain and analyse 3 features of the House of Lords:

Answer 2

1. Non-elected membership – Life peers, bishops, and hereditary peers.
2. Legislative scrutiny – Amends and delays legislation, e.g., opposition to the Internal Market Bill (2020).
3. Expertise – Members contribute specialist knowledge, e.g., Lord Krebs on environmental issues.

Question 3

3. Explain and analyse 3 ways MPs can influence policy:

Answer 3

1. Private Members’ Bills – E.g., Autism Act 2009.
2. Select Committees – Public Accounts Committee influences spending (e.g., criticism of Test and Trace spending).
3. Backbench rebellions – Conservative MPs voting against COVID restrictions in 2021.

Question 4

4. Explain and analyse 3 ways in which Parliament scrutinises the work of the executive:

Answer 4

1. Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) – Opportunity to hold the PM accountable weekly.
2. Select Committees – Investigate government departments (e.g., Health and Social Care Committee).
3. Opposition debates – Labour’s role in challenging government policies, e.g., on NHS strikes.

Question 5

5. Explain and analyse 3 ways that MPs represent their constituents:

Answer 5

1. Constituency surgeries – MPs meet with constituents to address concerns.
2. Debating constituency issues – E.g., MPs representing flood-affected areas raising climate concerns.
3. Petition representation – MPs presenting petitions from constituents in Parliament.