UK GOV - PARLI 2.2.2.4 Functions of Parliament (scrutiny) Flashcards
What is the primary function of Parliament in relation to the executive?
To scrutinise the work of the executive.
What are the methods of scrutiny used by Parliament?
- Questioning
- Debates
- Votes of No Confidence
- Select Committees
What is Parliamentary scrutiny?
The close examination of government policy carried out by Parliament.
What is the average age of a Lord?
71 years
What percentage of MPs are women?
40%
How often is Prime Minister’s Questions held?
Every sitting Wednesday from 12-12:30.
What is an urgent question in Parliament?
A question requiring a minister to come to the Chamber and give an immediate answer.
What is Hansard?
The official Parliamentary report where all debates are published.
What are substantive motions?
Motions that initiate a debate on a specific issue.
What is a Vote of No Confidence (VoNC)?
A motion to test the support of the House of Commons for the Government.
What key reforms were introduced by the Wright Reforms in 2009?
- Chairs of select committees are directly elected by secret ballot.
- Members of select committees are selected by secret ballot.
How many members typically make up a select committee?
At least 11 members.
What is the role of backbenchers in Parliament?
- Serve their constituents
- Vote according to the party line
- Campaigning MP
What is the Backbench Business Committee (BBBC)?
A committee with the power to schedule business on 35 days of a parliamentary session.
In what year did the Labour party use an opposition day to extend free school meals?
2020
What is the role of select committees in Parliament?
To hold ministers and departments to account and investigate public concerns.
What percentage of MPs are minority ethnic?
18%
What is the significance of the term ‘lobby fodder’?
Backbenchers who vote according to the party line.
What does the term ‘Humble Address’ refer to?
A motion used on opposition days to force the government to release documents.
True or False: The Official Opposition receives 17 out of 20 allocated opposition days.
True
What impact did the Wright Reforms have on backbenchers?
Increased their power and ability to schedule debates.
What is the role of the House of Commons Liaison Committee?
To oversee the work of select committees.
What are ‘Emergency motions’ in Parliament?
Motions that are urgent and require immediate discussion.
What is the average age of an MP?
Average age is not explicitly stated, but is relevant to representation.
What is the significance of PMQs?
A key opportunity for the Leader of the Opposition to question the Prime Minister.
Fill in the blank: The vast majority of procedures in Parliament take place in the form of _______.
debate
What is the ‘Queen of Select Committees’?
The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee.
What is the role of the Lords in scrutiny?
- Ask urgent questions
- Set motions for debate
- Conduct select committees
What is the constitutional limitation that affects the House of Lords?
The Salisbury Convention.
Who chaired the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee as of December 2024?
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP.
What is the delegate model of representation?
A model where representatives act in accordance with the wishes of their constituents.
What is a public bill committee?
A committee that examines the details of a proposed bill in the House of Commons.
What are the five key principles of the UK Constitution?
- Parliamentary sovereignty
- Rule of law
- Separation of powers
- Democracy
- Constitutional conventions
Who is linked to representation in this context?
Dominic Cummings
What is parliamentary ping pong?
The process where a bill is sent back and forth between the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
Why can parliamentary ping pong not go on forever?
Eventually, one house must agree to the bill or it will be dropped.
What does SCCREW stand for?
Identify the odd one out in terms of descriptive representation: RACE, GENDER, SEXUAL ORIENTATION.
SEXUAL ORIENTATION
Give one reason that supports the idea that government dominates the legislative process.
The government controls the legislative agenda.
Which government passed the Constitutional Reform Act 2005?
The Labour government.
How did the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 change the constitution?
It reformed the role of the House of Lords and established the Supreme Court.
What are Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQ)?
A weekly session where the Prime Minister answers questions from MPs.
List types of parliamentary questions.
- Written questions
- Oral questions
- Urgent questions
What is an emergency debate?
A debate called on urgent matters requiring immediate attention.
What are opposition day debates?
Debates initiated by the opposition to discuss specific issues.
What are backbench debates?
Debates led by backbench MPs on various topics.
What are adjournment debates?
Short debates at the end of a parliamentary day on specific issues.
What is the role of select committees?
To scrutinize government work and hold it accountable.
What is the Liaison Committee?
A committee that oversees select committee operations and reports.
What is the Public Accounts Committee responsible for?
Examining the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of public spending.
What does the Committee on Standards oversee?
The conduct of MPs and regulation of their financial interests.
What is the Committee of Privileges?
A committee that considers matters of privilege referred by the House of Commons.
What is a significant outcome of the 2023 Committee of Privileges investigation?
Boris Johnson was found to have misled the House over ‘Party gate’.
What percentage of select committee recommendations lead to government action?
Around 40%.
What was the focus of the inquiry into COVID-19 by the Health and Social Care committee?
Questioning Dominic Cummings.
What scandal did the business and Trade Committee investigate?
The Post Office Horizon IT scandal.
How long does the government have to reply to a select committee report?
Within two months.
What is the role of the Chairs of select committees?
To take evidence from the Prime Minister and recommend debate topics.
What was Boris Johnson’s excuse for missing hearings in 2019?
The delivery of Brexit.
Who chairs the Public Accounts Committee?
A member of the opposition.
What is the significance of the HS2 report on Euston station in 2023?
It was one of the most publicized inquiries by the Public Accounts Committee.
