U1- The Role Of Political Representatives Flashcards
What are the main roles of an MP? Name 7
Vote in the House of Commons Attend adjournment debates Attend question time Attend PMQT Membership of committees Propose private members bills Undertake constituency work
What does voting in the House of Commons entail?
This is one of the most important roles.
Before a bill can be passed as legislation MPs must individually vote ‘Aye’ or ‘No’
Usually they vote in line with their parties wishes however their voting decision should be made on behalf of their constituency
What does attending adjournment debates entail?
Debates are held on a daily basis and allow MPs to represent their constituents in parliament
The executive is forced to account for its actions
These debates allow backbenchers to speak on an issue of importance to their constituents
What does attending question time entail?
They are given the opportunity to question a government minister on an issue in the HOC
This gives MPs the chance to scrutinise the work of the government
What does attending PMQT entail?
This takes place every Wednesday and the PM is questioned about government decisions and current affairs.
This impacts party popularity and how a leader is viewed
What does being a member of a committee entail?
Most MPs are members of a committee in the HOC. They can scrutinise government and influence a specific area of decision making
What does proposing private members bills entail?
They have the opportunity to propose their own bills
These bills rarely reach the later stages of the legislative process
What does undertaking constituency work entail?
The most important role in the committee is to hold regular surgeries
They must also attend meetings in the area, attend social events, visit local areas and maintain a high profile in the local media
