Parliament

Question 1

Define the role of the speaker

Answer 1

A neutral officer elected by the HOC’s to manage debates

Question 2

Define the role of the leader of the opposition

Answer 2

Leader of the second largest party.

Responsible for leading scrutiny over the government.

Question 3

Define the role of party whips

Answer 3

Members of parties responsible for enforcing discipline to the party.
Ensures backbenchers specifically vote in accordance to the party line.

Question 4

Define the Lords Act

Answer 4

Established in 1999 to reduce the number of heredity peers in the HOL’s.

Question 5

What is the role of the monarch?

Answer 5

They read the governments legislative programme for the year.
They give bills ROYAL ASSENT.

Question 6

Why is parliament superior at law making?

Answer 6

1. It can make and remove any law wanted
2. Parliament is not restricted by a codified constitution
3. Parliament is sovereign over devolved bodies

Question 7

Why is parliament NOT superior at law making?

Answer 7

1. Parliament considers mostly government made bills.
2. Government usually has a majority in parliament.
3. The HOL’s rarely puts forward bills.

Question 8

Why is parliament representative of the people?

Answer 8

1. HOC’s is elected by the public (and is superior to the HOL’s)
2. MP’s act on represent their constituents.

Question 9

Why is parliament NOT representative of the people?

Answer 9

1. HOL’s is unelected
2. Votes are not proportional
3. MP’s are largely unrepresentative of the population

Question 10

Why is parliament effective at scrutinising government?

Answer 10

1. PMQ’s
2. Select committees scrutinise policy and public bill committees examine proposed legislation
3. Debates
4. The official opposition
5. MP’s and peers can submit questions to the PM

Question 11

Why is parliament NOT effective at scrutinising the government?

Answer 11

1. Government has a majority
2. Questions asked in PMQ’s can be ignored/not answered effectively
3. Select committees have a government majority and can do little to make change

Question 12

Why is parliament effective at promoting legitimacy?

Answer 12

1. MP’s are elected by the people (consent has been given)

2. Government actions are challenged and scrutinised

Question 13

Why is parliament NOT effective at promoting legitimacy?

Answer 13

1. HOL’s is not elected

2. Scandals have decreased public faith and trust in the system and individuals