UK Parliament (key terms)

Question 1

Parliamentary sovereignty

Answer 1

Parliament has ultimate power

Question 2

House of Commons

Answer 2

The lower chamber

Question 3

House of Lords

Answer 3

The upper chamber, unelected

Question 4

Confidence and Supply

Answer 4

A confidence and supply agreement is where a party or independent members will support the government in motions of confidence and budget by voting or abstaining. It is not as formal as a coalition

Question 5

Salisbury convention

Answer 5

The Lords are not allowed to oppose any second or third reading legislation that is on the governments manifesto

Question 6

Parliamentary privilege

Answer 6

Legal immunity granted to MPs that allows Parliamentarians to carry out their duties without interference

Question 7

Backbenchers

Answer 7

A member of Parliament who does not hole office

Question 8

Select committees

Answer 8

Can be appointed from the House of Commons. Committees can be near permanent or ad hoc

Question 9

Cronyism

Answer 9

The appointment of friends and associates to positions of power

Question 10

Public Accounts Committee (PAC)

Answer 10

A select committee which oversees the governments spending

Question 11

Life Peer

Answer 11

Member of Lords whose title cannot be inherited

Question 12

White Paper document

Answer 12

Official government document before it’s a bill

Question 13

Private members bills

Answer 13

Public Bills introduced by MPs and Lords who are not government ministers

Question 14

Bicameral

Answer 14

Two chambers

Question 15

Party whip

Answer 15

They ensure party discipline (that members vote for the what the party wants)