who is in parliament? Flashcards
who is a speaker in the house of commons?
The speaker presides over the HOC and ensure rules of the house are observed.
the authoritative source of the parliamentary procedure is A TREATY OF THE LAW PRIVELDGES PROCEEDINGS AND THE USAGE OF PARLIAMENT (1844) erksine may
how do mps speak in parliament?
Mps have to wait on the speaker calls on them before they can speak. As there are often more MP’s hoping to speak than time allows, the speaker has the difficult job of striking a fair balance between the parties
what is the speakers main job?
tell people when to speak, how long questions can focus on a particular topic when mp’s question ministers and spekaer also decides whether amendmants to bills or motions befor the house should be debated/voted on.
what happens when an mp becomes speaker?
when an mp becomes a speaker they must several all ties to their previous party.
the speaker does not vote on any motion except in order to break a tie.
which act prevents the speaker from standing under a party?
Political Parties Elections and Referendums Act 2000 - prevents the speaker form standing under a general elections - they still need to appear on the ballot as ‘speaker seeking re-election.’
how do speakers become elected?
Mp’s need the support of at least 12 MP’s at least 3 of the MP’s must come from a different political party to their own.
At the beginning of a new parliamentary term or following the death of the previous speaker.
who are the front benchers?
the PM sits on the front bench alongside all government ministers.
who are the back-benchers?
MP’s in the governing party that do not hold ministerial positions sit on the back benches.
where does leader of opposition sit?
the leader of the official oppisition also sit in the front bench of teh opposite side with their shadow ministers
who is the official opposition?
largest opposition party in the commons
who are the whips? and what do they do?
whips are responisble for enforcing discipline within the party.
they issue weekly instructions to backbench MPs making it clear to vote in upcoming votes.
particularly important vote are underlined three times.
how do whips make sure mp’s vote with there party?
persuade mps of the goverment view and threaten mps with loss of a likely promtion.
