UK GOV: PARIL-2.2.2.2 Functions of Parliament (selection & representation 2) Flashcards
What is the purpose of examining how selection contributes towards parliamentary functions?
To understand how MPs and Lords are selected
What is the maximum time the Lords can delay a bill due to the Parliament Acts?
One year
What is a significant limitation of the time allocated for parliamentary discussion?
Limited time for discussion (13 Fridays)
What is meant by ‘parliamentary ping pong’?
The process where a bill is sent back and forth between the Houses
What is the Trustee Model in representation?
Constituents voting for an MP is a sign of their trust, allowing MPs to make decisions they see as right
What is the Delegate Model in representation?
MPs act as mouthpieces, reflecting their constituents’ views
What is the average age of MPs as of 2024?
48 years
What percentage of MPs are women as of 2024?
40%
What is the significance of having 90 MPs from a minority ethnic background?
It is the highest ever representation of minority ethnic backgrounds in the Commons
What does descriptive representation mean?
A group elects an individual to represent them who in their own characteristics mirror some of the more frequent experiences and outward manifestations of the group.
What is the party mandate model?
Political parties, not individual MPs, serve the primary purpose of representation
How does the average age of the Lords compare to that of MPs?
The average age of the Lords is 71 years
The average age of the Commons is 46 down from the last Parliaments 51 (where it has consistently remained
What percentage of the Lords are women?
30%
Who are the youngest Lords in the House?
Baroness Smith (b. 1996) and Lord Kempsell (b. 1992)
What are three ways in which a Lord might be chosen?
- Hereditary peerage * Life peerage * Bishops of the Church of England
What is a criticism of the effectiveness of the UK Parliament?
It fails to offer diversity of input and rigorous scrutiny for effective law making
True or False: Good MPs can represent their constituents regardless of their ethnicity, religion, or gender.
True
Fill in the blank: The Lords have an average age of ______.
71 years
What does it mean when MPs are said to fail to gain a quorum?
They cannot gather the required number of MPs (40) for a vote
What is the implication of MPs being at odds with their constituency over Brexit?
It highlights a disconnect between MPs and the views of their constituents
What is the significance of the 2024 election regarding independent MPs?
6 MPs were elected as independents, primarily as protest votes
What is the role of Lords Spiritual in the House of Lords?
They are bishops appointed to the House of Lords
What is the implication of having only 9.8% of MPs openly LGBT+?
It reflects the representation of sexual orientation within Parliament
What is the average percentage of university graduates among MPs?
90%
What is one reason supporting the claim that a more descriptive parliament is more effective?
It can better empathize with the issues facing diverse communities
What is a drawback of the Delegate Model?
It may undermine MPs’ own judgment in decision-making
What is the significance of the 20 MPs under 30 years of age?
It indicates a younger demographic representation in Parliament
What is the minimum age requirement to be an MP?
18 years of age
What citizenship status is required to become an MP?
British, Irish or Commonwealth citizen (with indefinite leave to remain)
What is one way a candidate cannot be selected as an MP?
A member of the police, armed forces, civil service or a judge
What is a bill proposed by a backbencher called?
Private Member’s Bill
What is the term for a vote called in the House that involves walking through lobbies?
Division
What is a government-set vote to determine the timetable of their bill called after the 2nd reading?
Whip vote
What is the process called when a bill goes back and forth between the two houses in Parliament?
Ping pong
What type of legislation is made by a minister under powers conferred by an Act of Parliament?
Secondary legislation
What is the Monarch’s formal approval to a bill called?
Royal Assent
What is the name of a bill that involves taxation or spending?
Money Bill
What is the committee of around 20 MPs who review legislation line by line called?
Public Bill Committee
What is one of the criteria for selecting a Lord?
Fair
What is a ‘Top Up’ appointment in the context of Lords selection?
Nominated by a party to increase their membership in the Lords
What are Dissolution Honours?
Nominations of outgoing MPs to the Lords prior to a general election
What is the role of the House of Lords Appointments Commission?
Advise the PM on the suitability of nominations
What must happen to the PM’s recommendations for appointments?
Submitted to the King for confirmation
How are hereditary peers replaced?
By-election within their own party group of hereditary peers
What is the established act for Life peers?
Life Peerages Act 1958
How many bishops are automatically given peerages as Lords Spiritual?
24 bishops + the Archbishop of Canterbury and York
Name one of the three people who cannot become MPs.
Subject to bankruptcy
List three ways in which a Lord might be chosen.
- Direct ministerial appointment
- ‘Top Up’ appointment
- Dissolution Honours
List three reasons why the Lords selection process may be considered ineffective.
- Vulnerable to outside influence
- Lacks transparency
- Limited public engagement
True or False: The PM can overrule the House of Lords Appointments Commission’s advice.
True
Who was ennobled by PM Rishi Sunak in November 2023?
Baron Cameron of Chipping Norton
Cameron’s appointment was expedited by HOLAC, with much of the inquiry completed before his appointment.
What significant milestone did Baroness Owen of Alderley Edge achieve when appointed to the Lords?
Became the youngest ever life peer appointment to the Lords at the age of 30
Her appointment faced criticism due to her limited government experience.
What was HOLAC’s stance on Baron Cruddas of Shoreditch’s nomination?
HOLAC advised against supporting his nomination
Boris Johnson rejected this advice and pushed the appointment forward regardless.
What is Baron Tarassenko of Headington’s professional background?
Professor of Engineering Science at Oxford University
He joined the crossbenches as a non-party political peer in 2024.
Who is Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon and what is her connection to a significant event?
Mother to Stephen Lawrence, who was murdered in a racist attack in 1993
She founded the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust and was made a life peer in 2013 at Ed Miliband’s request.
What age was Baroness Smith of Llanfaes when she received her life peerage?
27 years of age
She was chosen to maintain Plaid Cymru representation in the Lords.
True or False: Baron Cruddas of Shoreditch was appointed despite HOLAC’s recommendation.
True
His appointment was pushed forward by Boris Johnson despite HOLAC’s advice.
Fill in the blank: Baroness Owen of Alderley Edge was appointed to the Lords as an aide to _______.
Johnson
Her limited experience in government was a point of criticism.
What is the significance of Baron Tarassenko’s contributions?
Contributions to debates on large language models and higher education funding
His expertise as a professor informs his participation in these discussions.
