Parliament Flashcards
(17 cards)
What type of system does the UK Parliament have?
Bi-cameral system with the House of Commons and the House of Lords
The UK Parliament consists of two legislative chambers.
What must happen for legislation (Bills) to become law in the UK?
Bills must be passed by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords before receiving Royal Assent
Royal Assent is the final step for a Bill to become law.
How many elected members are in the House of Commons?
650 elected members (MPs)
MPs represent their constituents and participate in legislative processes.
What role does the largest party in the House of Commons usually play?
Forms the government
The largest party typically has the most influence in legislative decisions.
What is the salary of an MP in the House of Commons for the year 2025-26?
£93,904 pa plus allowances
MPs receive additional allowances to support their work.
What is the role of backbench MPs?
They are not part of the government or the official opposition and participate in debates and committees
Backbenchers hold the executive to account and can introduce legislation.
What is Hansard?
The official record of Parliamentary business
It documents debates, questions, and proceedings in Parliament.
What are Whips in the context of the House of Commons?
MPs appointed to maintain party discipline
Whips ensure that party members vote in line with party policy.
How many members are there in the House of Lords?
About 800 members
The House of Lords is one of the largest legislative bodies in the world.
What types of members are included in the House of Lords?
Church of England clergy (Lords Spiritual), Hereditary Peers, Life Peers, and Crossbenchers (unaffiliated)
Each group has different methods of appointment and influence.
What are the 7 main stages to pass a bill in Parliament?
Green paper
White paper
1st reading
2nd reading
Committee stage
Report stage
3rd reading
Consideration of amendments
Royal assent
A Green Paper is a rough draft sent out for consultation.
What is the purpose of the Committee Stage in the passage of a Bill?
The Bill is scrutinised by a committee of backbenchers
This stage allows for detailed examination and potential amendments.
What can the Government impose to speed up the passage of a Bill?
A guillotine
A guillotine limits the time allocated for debate on a Bill.
What happens if the House of Lords suggests amendments to a Bill?
The amendments must be accepted by the Commons
The House of Lords can suggest changes, but the Commons has the final say.
True or False: The House of Lords can delay a Money Bill.
False
The Lords cannot delay Money Bills like the Finance Bill.
What is the maximum time the House of Lords can delay other legislation?
13 months
After this period, the legislation can proceed without the Lords’ consent.
