holding the executive to account

Question 1

what tools does parliament use to hold the executive to account

Answer 1

• backbenchers
• select committees
• PMQs
• CMR / IMR

Question 2

significance of backbenchers

Answer 2

majority of MPs
usually kept in line by whip
parliamentary imunity

Question 3

significance of wright reforms

Answer 3

(published by PM Gordon Brown…2010)
- est BBBC
- limit executive, make more accountable to Parliament

Question 4

role of the BBBC

Answer 4

1 day to control agenda in Parliament
raise e-petitions
cross party agenda
chair chosen by backbenchers (note BJ appointment of Jenkin)

Question 5

examples of rebellious backbenchers

Answer 5

Blair - no defeats in first time
May - defeated 33 times
BJ - 12 times in 6 months with minority
but 4 times in 3 years with majority

Question 6

other ways the executive can be held to account

Answer 6

supreme court
media
e-petitions

Question 7

how does the oppositon hold gov to account