Democracy in the UK - Parliamentary Representatives Flashcards
Unit 1 - HoL, PMQs, Select Committees (18 cards)
What is one way parliamentary representatives hold the government to account?
Attending Prime Ministers Question Time (PMQs)
PMQs allows MPs to ask the PM questions about their activities and decisions.
How often does Prime Ministers Question Time occur?
Weekly on Wednesdays at noon
This is a scheduled time for MPs to question the PM.
Who gets to ask the most questions during PMQs?
The leader of the opposition
Currently, this is Kier Starmer.
What limitation is associated with PMQs regarding the questions asked?
Questions must be submitted beforehand
This allows the PM to prepare answers, making the session less spontaneous.
What is a criticism of PMQs related to the type of questions asked?
Leading questions may be asked by MPs from the PM’s party
This can provide the PM with opportunities to highlight positive achievements.
What is the duration of PMQs?
30 minutes
This limited time frame restricts the effectiveness of questioning.
How do select committees hold the government to account?
By scrutinising government departments
They research the work of departments and produce reports that must be responded to by the government.
What is the response time required from government departments to select committee reports?
60 days
This timeframe allows for accountability and response to the committee’s findings.
What example demonstrates the effectiveness of select committees?
The Foreign Affairs select committee’s research on the 2015 Syria bombing plan
Their findings influenced parliament to vote against the bombing.
What is a limitation of select committees regarding their composition?
They must reflect the balance of power in parliament
This often results in the largest party dominating the committees.
What percentage of parliament do the Labour Party currently make up?
Around 62%
This majority influences the composition of select committees.
What is the role of the House of Lords in holding the government to account?
They must approve any bill before it becomes law
Many members are experts who scrutinise bills effectively.
What example illustrates the House of Lords’ power to block legislation?
The original EU referendum bill was rejected (2020)
Lord Faulkes criticized it as a ‘very bad bill,’ leading to government amendments.
What is a way the government can bypass the House of Lords?
By waiting a year
This prevents the Lords from scrutinising or blocking legislation.
What is the percentage of time the government accepts defeats from the House of Lords?
Around 50%
This indicates some effectiveness in scrutiny, despite the ability to bypass.
What are the three methods by which parliamentary representatives hold the government to account?
PMQs, select committees, House of Lords
Each method has limitations affecting its effectiveness.
True or False: PMQs are completely spontaneous with no prior question submission.
False
Questions must be submitted in advance, allowing the PM to prepare.
Fill in the blank: Select committees can invite members of the _______ to present evidence.
public
This helps them make informed decisions regarding government departments.
