Lecture 7: Scrutiny of the Government Flashcards
What are the main mechanisms of Parliament scrutinizing the government?
The main mechanisms of Parliament scruitnising the gov is:
Parliamentary Questions
Parliamentary Debates
Select Committees
What is the purpose of Parliamentary Questions?
The purpose of Parliamentary questions is
To gather information from the government about its policies
To require the government to explain and defend its actions.
What are the two types of Parliamentary Questions?
Oral Questions
Written Questions
What are Oral Questions in Parliament?
Oral questions in parliament Includes Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs), which lasts 30 minutes every Wednesday and is televised where the PM answers questions from other MPs
What is the purpose of Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs)?
The point of PMQs is for Opposition to point out problems with the government or its policies. The Prime Minister defends the government and attacks the opposition.
What type of questions do government backbench MPs ask during PMQs?
Backbench MPs will ask Flattering questions that try to make the Prime Minister look good.
What is PMQs often considered to be?
More of a political theatre than a forum for actual policy change.
How often do ministers appear for questioning during Question Time?
Ministers take turns appearing every five weeks to answer questions about the things they’re in charge of.
What are Written Questions in Parliament?
MPs can ask a government department a question in writing and receive an answer by email.
Helps get detailed answers from the government.
What are the two types of Written Questions?
Ordinary Questions:
Answered in 5 to 10 working days.
MPs can ask as many as they want.
Named Day Questions:
Answered faster
MPs can only ask up to 5 of these each day.
What is the primary function of Parliamentary Debates?
Parliamentary debates are the main way Parliament does its work. Having enough time for debates is important so MPs can properly check and challenge what the government is doing.
What happens during a Parliamentary Debate?
During Parliamentary debates, Debates start with a ‘motion’ — a proposal that sets the topic. It might be about a new law or whether the government still has the support of Parliament.
How common are government defeats on a motion in the Commons vs the Lords?
In the House of Commons, defeats are rare — only 13 happened between 1997 and 2015.
In the House of Lords, they’re more common — over 600 in the same period.
The Lords can’t block laws completely, but they can delay them and ask the government to think again.
What is the main distinction between Select Committees and Public Bill Committees?
Select Committees are different from Public Bill Committees. They check how government departments and policies are working, while Public Bill Committees look at the details of specific laws.
Where are Select Committees present?
Sc are present in the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and jointly (with members from both Houses).
How is the membership of Commons Select Committees structured?
Each government department has its own select committee.
The committees have 11 to 16 MPs
Members come from different political parties to keep things balanced.
How are the chairs of Commons Select Committees elected?
MPs choose the committee chairs by secret vote, so the decision is fair and not controlled by party leaders.
What is the role of Commons Select Committees?
Select Committees are tasked with scrutinizing government departments.
They often suggest important changes and can influence government decisions.
What is the overall aim of departmental select committees as recommended by the Liaison Committee in 2012?
In 2012, the Liaison Committee said the main goal is to make sure Ministers and departments are held responsible for their decisions, help Parliament oversee public spending, and check new laws.
What is the role of the Public Accounts Committee in the House of Commons?
The Public Accounts Committee ensures that money is spent wisely and efficiently, with minimal waste.
What does the Women and Equalities Committee in the House of Commons focus on?
the Women and Equalities Committee focuses on matters concerning women and equality issues.
What is the role of the Liaison Committee in the House of Commons?
The Liaison Committee oversees the overall work of select committees and ensures they function properly to scrutinize the government.
What is the role of the Human Rights Joint Committee?
The Human Rights Joint Comimittee ensures that the government’s work, aligns with human rights law.
What powers do Select Committees have?
Select Committees can’t create or propose laws, but they can make suggestions that the government and the public usually take seriously.
They have several powers, including:
Sending for persons, papers, and records
Getting expert advice
Investigating topics they choose
Meeting even when Parliament isn’t sitting
Holding meetings outside Westminster
Creating smaller sub-committees
Working alongside other committees and sharing information
