Parliament Flashcards
(26 cards)
What are the five key features of a ‘good’ Parliament according to Fairclough & Lynch (2010)?
Elections to decide government, collective government, executive + legislature work together, legislature can dismiss executive, separate head of state.
Does the UK Parliament meet these criteria?
Yes formally, but PM’s patronage power limits independence of ministers.
What are the two core principles of the Westminster model?
Representative government and responsible government.
What is a bicameral legislature?
A parliament with two chambers: House of Commons and House of Lords.
What is the Crown-in-Parliament?
The King, Commons, and Lords collectively forming Parliament. The King approves laws and opens/closes Parliament.
How are members of the House of Commons elected?
Through FPTP in 650 single-member constituencies.
How are vacancies in the Commons filled?
Through by-elections.
What are the three main types of peers in the Lords?
Hereditary peers (92), life peers, and Lords Spiritual (26 bishops).
What does the House of Lords Appointments Commission do?
Recommends non-party-political life peers and vets all nominations.
Name the five main functions of Parliament.
Scrutiny, passing legislation, providing ministers, representing electorate (Commons), and debate.
What is the Backbench Business Committee?
Allows MPs to set topics for debate once a week.
What are the main stages of a bill?
Origin → First Reading → Second Reading → Committee Stage → Report Stage → Third Reading → House of Lords → Royal Assent.
What is the difference between green and white papers?
Green paper = early proposals; White paper = firm policy plans.
Name four types of bills.
Government/public, private, hybrid, private member’s.
What exclusive powers does the Commons have?
Consent to taxation and public expenditure, confidence votes.
What limits the Lords’ power?
Parliament Acts (1911 & 1949), Salisbury Convention.
What is the Salisbury Convention?
Lords won’t oppose manifesto bills from the elected government.
How does the Commons maintain its supremacy over the Lords?
Through conventions, laws, and the Parliament Acts if needed.
What is Parliamentary Ping-Pong?
Bills being sent back and forth between Commons and Lords.
What can backbench MPs do?
Join select committees, propose Private Member’s Bills, scrutinise government.
What is the role of select committees?
Investigate government departments and hold them to account.
What limits the influence of select committees?
Not involved in legislation stages, government can ignore recommendations.
What is the role of the opposition?
Hold government to account, offer alternatives, challenge policy.
What limits the opposition’s power?
They are in the minority; party loyalty in government weakens their impact.
