Parliament Flashcards
(101 cards)
1
Q
three main parts of UK parliament
A
-House of commons
-House of Lords
-Monarch
2
Q
Government definition
A
ruling body with responsibilities such as policy and housing
3
Q
How are members of the HOC selected?
A
-general elections
-FPTP
-650 members
-legitimate
4
Q
Cabinet definition
A
-most senior figures who run gov
-sit on the front bench in HOC
-eg prime minister, home secretary
5
Q
Types of bills (legislation)
A
-Public Bill
-Private Bill
-Private Members Bill
-Hybrid Bill
6
Q
public bill
A
affects everyone in the country eg. Coronavirus act 2020
7
Q
private bill
A
affects particular sections of society eg. 2018 university of London act
8
Q
Private members bill
A
put before parliament by an individual backbencher eg. 1967 Abortion Act
9
Q
Hybrid bill
A
blends private and public bill, affects whole population but will have a more noticeable impact on certain areas eg. 2008 Crossrail act
10
Q
How is the budget set?
A
The Chancellor of the Exchequer prepares tax and spending plans, presents them to Parliament, and after parliamentary approval, the budget guides government finances.
11
Q
Public Accounts committee
A
scrutinise gov spending
12
Q
Departmental Select committees
A
scrutinise the work of gov departments. last the lifetime of gov
13
Q
Ways parliament can scrutinise the gov
A
- Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) – Weekly questioning of the PM.
- Ministerial Question Time – Ministers answer questions from MPs/Peers.
- Select Committees – Investigate government departments in detail.
14
Q
How do MPs ensure citizens are heard
A
-HOC = elected chamber
-MPs address their constituents problems in parliament
15
Q
Ways to select members of the HOL
A
-783 members
Hereditary:
family they were born in eg. William Stonor
Life:
PM chose them, Lord Cameron
Lord Spiritual:
bishop or significant religious UK figure
16
Q
HOL reform
A
-Salisbury convention
-1911 parliament act
-1999 HOL reform
17
Q
Salisbury convention
A
-lords should never challenge financial bills from the HOC
-Lords cannot reject manifesto pledges
18
Q
1911 parliament act
A
Lords veto power replaced with 2 year delay
19
Q
1999 HOL reform
A
removed majority of hereditary peers
20
Q
roles of HOLs
A
-debate legislation sent from the HOC
-Initiate legislation
-delay legislation
21
Q
Why is the HOC more powerful?
A
-power of HOL limited as they cannot reject legislation
-cannot oppose manifesto pledges
-committees are made up of HOC members so they have greater scrutiny power over the executive
22
Q
why is the HOL more powerful?
A
-Can bring their expertise into the law
- more willing to defend civil liberties eg anti terror legislation in 2000s to protect liberties
-less party discipline so members can make their own decisions
23
Q
Exclusive powers of the HOCs
A
-vetoing legislation
-approving gov budget
-representing constituencies
-vote of no confidence
24
Q
The legislative process
A
- First reading:
bill introduced - Second reading:
debated and voted on - Committee stage:
bill committee established - Report stage
- Third reading:
final vote - moves to opposite house and must be approved by all members, leads to parliamentary ping pong
- royal assent
25
non-departmental select committees
The Liaison Committee:
question PM twice a year
26
Select Committees ARE effective
-scrutiny introduces debate
-run inquiries brought by public allowing the public to be heard
-can call people to their meetings eg. transport select committee can call those high up in rail
27
Select Committees ARE NOT effective
- Committees have the power to summon witnesses, but cannot compel
- their outcomes are not legally binding
28
PMQs
- half an hour. once a week
-televised
-opposition asks MP questions
29
PMQs ARE effective
-PM answers questions the public is asking
-Require PM to keep up to date with developments
-Provide accountability
30
PMQs ARE NOT effective
- more theatrical than content
-questions usually avoided
-only 30 mins
31
The opposition
- The largest party not in government
- scrutinise the government and hold it to account
- presents itself as an alternative government
32
methods of scrutiny
-PMQs
-Opposition
-select committees
-Motions of no confidence
33
Motion of no confidence
-proposal as to whether a vote of no confidence should be held
-if the gov is voted against this is a vote of no confidence
-eg Callaghan, 1979, motion passed and gov was dissolved a week later
34
Parliamentary privilege
legal immunity granted to MPs allowing them to speak freely without the risk of being sued or prosecuted for things said or done in parliament. ensures they can openly debate without fear or legal consequences
35
limits to the power of backbenchers
Party Whip:
entice party members to vote in line with the party
Recourses:
limited research and admin means the have less recourses to rely on
Majority:
if the gov has a large majority, a few backbench rebellions wont make a difference
36
backbench MP
neither gov. or shadow cabinet
37
Structure of the executive
1. Prime Minister:
head of the executive, manages agenda
2. The cabinet:
Around 20 senior ministers including secretaries of state.
3. Government Departments:
Each is responsible for an area of policy, each headed by a cabinet member
4. Executive Agencies:
semi- independent bodies that carry out some functions of government departments
38
Roles of the Executive
Proposing legislation:
Proposes and amends new laws
Proposing the budget:
created by chancellor of the Exchequer and PM
Making Policy Decisions:
has to decide how to make its future aims effective for the country
39
Royal Prerogative
Powers that originally belonged to the monarch but over time transitioned to gov without needing approval from parliament eg.
-declaring war
-sometimes broken eg, 2013, Cameron wanted to conduct air strikes in Syria but gov voted against
40
Manifestos
-easiest policy to implement
-difficult in coalition eg. lib dems wanted to vote of change from FPTP to STV
41
Individual Ministerial Responsibility
ministers are accountable for their departments performance. They must resign if they fail significantly or if there is serious misconduct
42
collective ministerial responsibility
ministers must publicly support the work of the gov, or resign, ensures unity
43
collective responsibility in action
2003: Foreign secretary Robin Cook resigned from Blairs gov over opposition to the Iraq war
44
collective responsibility not in action
2022: during covid gov crisis many ministers issued statements against Johnson. However, they kept their jobs
45
collective responsibility SHOULD be abolished
- would allow for open debates – increasing transparency.
- Misleads the public – Creates a false image of unity
- Ministers must defend policies they may oppose personally, blurring who is truly accountable for decisions
46
Selection of ministers
-close allies
-popular figure: May appoints Johnson
-silencing opponents: Thatcher- wets
-diversity: Boris' first cabinet had 6 women
-know how
47
The cabinet IS still important
-provide checks on the PMs power
-meet and discuss on a regular and effective basis
48
the cabinet IS NOT important
-collective responsibility means cabinet members rarely disagree with the PM
- Informal advisors and small groups (e.g. PM's inner circle) often shape policy more than the full cabinet
- Prime Ministerial dominance – The PM controls key decisions, often sidelining the cabinet (e.g. Blair's "sofa government").
49
constitutional changes during the coalition
2011 fixed term parliament act:
5 year election cycles, removed in 2022
2015 recall of MPs act:
if an MP is found guilty of wrongdoings a by election is held given there are enough signatures
50
example of individual ministerial responsibility in effect
- Matt Hancock – COVID Breach Scandal (2021)
- CCTV footage showed Hancock kissing a colleague
- This broke the COVID-19 social distancing rules that he had helped to implement.
- Hancock resigned
51
What is Parliament and its two chambers?
Parliament is the UK legislature made up of the House of Commons (elected) and the House of Lords (appointed).
52
How are MPs selected for the House of Commons?
MPs are elected via First Past the Post in single-member constituencies. 650 MPs represent the UK.
53
What are the different types of peers in the House of Lords?
- Life Peers: Appointed for life (e.g. Lord Sugar)
- Hereditary Peers: 92 remain due to House of Lords Act 1999
- Lords Spiritual: 26 bishops of the Church of England
54
List 5 functions of the House of Commons.
- Legislation
- Scrutiny
- Representation
- Debating national issues
- Approving taxation and expenditure
55
List 4 functions of the House of Lords.
- Scrutinising and revising legislation
- Delaying non-money bills
- Expertise in debate
- Holding the government to account
56
Define confidence and supply. Provide an example.
Informal agreement to support a minority government on key votes. E.g., DUP supported Conservative minority government in 2017.
57
What is the Salisbury Convention?
The House of Lords agrees not to block legislation that was promised in the government's election manifesto.
58
What is parliamentary privilege?
MPs and peers have legal immunity for statements made in Parliament, ensuring free and open debate.
59
What are legislative bills?
Proposals for new laws or changes to existing laws. Can be government bills or private members' bills.
60
What is the role of public bill committees?
Examine bills line by line after second reading, often dominated by the government majority.
61
What is the role of backbenchers?
MPs who are not ministers or shadow ministers. They can:
- raise issues
- ask urgent questions
- rebel against party lines
62
What is the role of select committees?
Cross-party committees that scrutinise the work of government departments. E.g. Public Accounts Committee.
63
What are the key roles of the opposition?
- Holding the government to account
- Proposing alternative policies
- Using allocated PMQs and debates
64
What is ministerial question time?
Opportunity for MPs to question ministers about departmental policies. Includes Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs).
65
What happens during PMQs?
Weekly session where the PM is questioned by the leader of the opposition and other MPs. Often criticised as political theatre.
66
What are the exclusive powers of the House of Commons?
- Granting money bills
- Approving the budget
- Voting no confidence in the government
67
What are the powers of the House of Lords?
- Delay legislation (up to 1 year)
- Suggest amendments
- Cannot block money bills
68
Give an example of the Lords defeating the government.
In 2015, the Lords voted to block tax credit cuts, forcing a government rethink.
69
List the 7 stages of the legislative process.
1.First Reading
2.Second Reading
3.Committee Stage
4.Report Stage
5.Third Reading
6.House of Lords
7.Royal Assent
70
What is the role of the Report Stage?
Allows MPs to consider further amendments after the Committee Stage.
71
What is the purpose of Royal Assent?
Final approval from the monarch; now a formality. Makes a bill into law.
72
What happens when Lords and Commons disagree?
Amendments are negotiated. Commons has final say, especially if Parliament Acts apply.
73
how do backbench rebellions influence government?
Rebellions can defeat or weaken bills. E.g. Brexit defeats in 2019 over May's Withdrawal Agreement.
74
What is the Backbench Business Committee?
Gives MPs control over some Commons time to raise issues. Established in 2010.
75
How effective are select committees?
Often influential (e.g., Hutton Inquiry), but can't enforce recommendations. Limited by gov. majority.
76
What is "Short Money"?
Public funding to help opposition parties carry out their work. Based on number of seats and votes.
77
Name a powerful select committee and its leader.
Public Accounts Committee, chaired by Meg Hillier (Labour), investigates gov. spending.
78
How are select committee chairs chosen?
Since 2010, elected by MPs in a secret ballot, increasing their independence.
79
How does the executive dominate Parliament?
- Large majorities
- Whip system
- Control of parliamentary timetable
- proposes the budget
80
Give an example of an opposition success in Parliament.
In 2021, Labour and crossbench MPs forced the government to U-turn on free school meals.
81
What is the House of Lords Reform Act 2014?
Allows Lords to retire or be removed for non-attendance or criminal convictions.
82
What is a money bill?
A bill solely concerned with national taxation or public money. Lords cannot amend or delay.
83
How do opposition days work?
Opposition parties are allocated 20 days per session to set the agenda and debate chosen topics.
84
What role do whips play in Parliament?
Ensure party discipline, manage votes, and communicate between leadership and backbenchers.
85
What is legislative gridlock and when can it occur?
When no legislation passes due to political deadlock. Example: 2019 Brexit stalemate.
86
Give an example of a Private Members' Bill that became law.
Abortion Act 1967
87
What is parliamentary sovereignty?
Parliament can make or repeal any law; no Parliament can bind its successor.
88
What is the role of the Speaker of the House of Commons?
Maintains order, ensures fair debate, and is politically neutral. Current: Sir Lindsay Hoyle.
89
Why is scrutiny in the Lords sometimes seen as more effective?
Peers have more expertise, are less partisan, and are not bound by re-election concerns.
90
Example of the Commons passing major legislation
The Brexit Withdrawal Agreement Act (2020) passed after intense debate and amendments in the House of Commons.
91
Example of Parliament Acts being used
The Hunting Act (2004) was passed after the Commons overrode the Lords using the Parliament Act 1949.
92
Example of Lords delaying a bill
The Identity Cards Bill (2004–06) was delayed and repeatedly amended by the Lords before becoming law.
93
Example of poor representation leading to criticism
Nadine Dorries was criticised for neglecting her constituency due to frequent media and reality TV appearances.
94
How do the Commons and Lords interact in the legislative process
Both chambers debate and amend bills; if they disagree, the bill “ping-pongs” between them until agreement is reached.
95
Why does the House of Commons usually dominate the legislative process?
It is elected and holds financial privilege—only the Commons can initiate or amend money bills.
96
Why is the Salisbury Convention important?
Upholds democratic legitimacy of manifesto commitments and avoids unelected Lords blocking an elected government's agenda.
97
Example of ping-pong in practice?
2020 Internal Market Bill: Lords rejected clauses that would breach international law; Commons insisted, and some were later dropped.
98
What are the main roles of backbenchers?
- Scrutinise the government
- Represent constituents/public
- Introduce Private Members’ Bills
- Speak in debates
- Sit on select and public bill committees
99
How do backbenchers influence legislation?
Through amendments, PMBs, and voting rebellions.
100
Example of effective backbench rebellion?
2021: 99 Conservative MPs voted against Covid restrictions—forced concessions.
101
Example of effective select committee work?
- 2020: Health and Social Care Committee criticised the government's PPE shortages during Covid.
- 2016: Home Affairs Committee exposed failings in UK immigration detention system.
