UK GOV: PARLI-2.2.2.3 Functions of Parliament (selection & representation 2) Flashcards
What is the primary function of Parliament?
Passing legislation
Criticisms exist regarding the effectiveness of Parliament in fulfilling this function.
How long can The Lords delay a bill according to the Parliament Acts?
For a year
This limit is due to the Parliament Acts.
What is the term for the legislative process involving the First reading, Committee Stage, Report stage, and Royal assent?
Legislative process
What does representation in Parliament mean?
To stand for somebody or to act on their behalf
In what two ways does Parliament represent the public?
- MPs represent the views of their constituents
- Parliament reflects the views of the country
What is the Trustee Model of representation?
MPs have the trust of their constituents to make decisions
What is the Delegate Model of representation?
MPs act as mouthpieces, reflecting their constituents’ views
What is the average age of MPs as of the 2024 election?
48 years
What percentage of MPs are women as of the 2024 election?
40%
What is the percentage of MPs from a minority ethnic background as of 2024?
14%
What is the significance of a more representative Parliament?
- Better empathy with community issues
- Increases faith in Parliament among minorities
True or False: Good MPs can represent their constituents regardless of their background.
True
What is the party mandate model?
Political parties serve the primary purpose of representation
What action did PM Keir Starmer take regarding 7 MPs in July 2024?
Removed the Labour whip for voting in favor of an SNP amendment
What is the average age of the House of Lords as of 2024?
71 years
What percentage of the House of Lords are women?
30%
What is one of the selling points of the House of Lords?
Professional expertise not found in the Commons
Fill in the blank: The Lords have served as MPs in the Commons, including ________.
2 PMs
What is the role of Lords Spiritual in the House of Lords?
C of E bishops appointed to the House
What is the significance of the resemblance model of representation?
Emphasizes the groups to which a representative belongs
What percentage of MPs are openly LGBT+?
9.8%
How does expertise in the Lords ensure effective scrutiny of bills?
Provides specialized knowledge and experience
What is the claim regarding a more descriptive Parliament?
A more descriptive parliament is a more effective Parliament
Name one drawback of the Delegate Model.
It may overlook the MP’s judgement
What is one example of expertise found in the House of Lords?
- Previous MPs
- Supreme Court Justices
- Former EU Commissioners
- Trade Union Secretaries
- University leaders
What is the importance of having diverse representation in Parliament?
Ensures discussions on issues affecting various groups
What is the average age of MPs after the 2024 Election?
48 years of age
This average is down 2 years from the average between 1979-2019.
How many MPs are under 30 years of age?
20 MPs
This number reflects a shift in the demographic of MPs.
What is the median age of MPs?
40.7 years
What percentage of MPs are women?
40%
This is an increase from 29% in 2015.
What percentage of the UK population are women?
51%
How many MPs come from a minority ethnic background?
90 MPs (14%)
This is the highest representation in Parliamentary history.
What percentage of MPs are from minority ethnic backgrounds?
18%
What percentage of all MPs are university graduates?
90%
What percentage of MPs have attended Oxford or Cambridge?
20%
What percentage of MPs went to a fee-paying school?
24%
What percentage of MPs in 2019 went to Oxbridge?
21%
What percentage of MPs attend Oxbridge?
Less than 1%
What percentage of MPs are openly LGBT+?
9.8%
This is an increase from 7% in 2019.
What was the percentage of openly LGBT+ MPs in 2019?
7%
What percentage of Lords once served as MPs in the Commons?
21%
How many Lords have previously served in the Supreme Court?
7 Lords
How many Lords were previous EU Commissioners?
6 Lords
How many Lords have served as Secretaries of Trade Unions?
14 Lords
How many Lords have served in senior positions in academia?
19 Lords
How many Lords have been newspaper editors?
5 Lords
How many Lords are authors?
9 Lords
How many Lords have been Olympic/Paralympic athletes?
5 Lords
