Public affairs Flashcards
(175 cards)
1
Q
What is the Treasury?
A
The UK’s finance ministry responsible for taxation, managing national debt, tackling the deficit, promoting economic growth, and controlling inflation and unemployment.
2
Q
Who heads the Treasury?
A
The Chancellor of the Exchequer.
3
Q
What are the two ways of tackling the deficit?
A
- Borrowing more money
- Making cuts to reduce spending
4
Q
What is the purpose of the Budget?
A
To announce how much the Government is going to tax, borrow, and spend.
5
Q
When is the Budget delivered?
A
In spring time.
6
Q
What does the Budget reveal about the country’s finances?
A
The general state of finances, progress against targets, and economic forecasts.
7
Q
What organization provides forecasts for the economy and public finances?
A
The Office for Budget Responsibility.
8
Q
What are the four main functions of the Office for Budget Responsibility?
A
- Forecasts of the economy and public finances
- Evaluation of Government’s performance against fiscal targets
- Scrutiny of Government’s policy costings
- Assessment of long-term sustainability of public finances
9
Q
What happens after the Chancellor delivers the budget statement?
A
The leader of the opposition responds, followed by days of debate, and then the Budget becomes the Finance Bill.
10
Q
Define inflation.
A
A sustained increase in the general price level of goods and services in an economy over time.
11
Q
What measure does the UK use for inflation?
A
The Consumer Price Index.
12
Q
What is a recession?
A
Negative economic growth for two consecutive quarters.
13
Q
What is Gross Domestic Product (GDP)?
A
The total monetary or market value of all finished goods and services produced within a country’s borders in a specific time period.
14
Q
What is Gross National Product (GNP)?
A
The total monetary or market value of all finished goods and services produced by companies from a specific country in a specific time period.
15
Q
What is quantitative easing?
A
A monetary policy where a central bank buys government bonds or financial assets to inject money into the economy.
16
Q
What is a direct tax?
A
A tax levied on the income or profits of the person who pays it, such as income tax.
17
Q
What is an indirect tax?
A
A tax levied on goods and services rather than on income or profits, such as VAT.
18
Q
What type of monarchy does the United Kingdom have?
A
Constitutional monarchy
19
Q
What is the primary role of the Monarch in a constitutional monarchy?
A
Reigns but does not rule
20
Q
Who is the current monarch of the United Kingdom?
A
King Charles III
21
Q
What are the two categories of powers held by the monarch?
A
Actual powers and notional powers
22
Q
What are actual powers of the monarch?
A
Powers carried out by the monarch personally
23
Q
What are notional powers of the monarch?
A
Powers deferred to the Executive (Government)
24
Q
Name one office held by King Charles III.
A
Head of state
25
What ceremonial power does the monarch perform at the State Opening of Parliament?
Reading the King’s Speech
26
Which body does the monarch chair that consists of advisors from current and previous Cabinets?
Privy Council
27
What is one of the notional powers exercised by the Prime Minister?
Dissolving and summoning Parliament
28
What is the Sovereign Grant?
Funding source for the monarchy, replaced the civil list
29
What percentage of the Crown Estate's profits is currently allocated to the Sovereign Grant?
25%
30
What is the Duchy of Lancaster?
The historical name for the Privy Purse, funding the monarchy
31
What does the King’s personal wealth include?
Shareholdings, horses, and properties like Balmoral and Sandringham
32
How is Prince William's work funded?
By the Duchy of Cornwall
33
In what year was the Duchy of Cornwall established?
1337
34
True or False: The King owns the properties in the Crown Estate.
False
35
Fill in the blank: The King meets the Prime Minister once a week to discuss _______.
Cabinet business
36
Name one ceremonial event attended by the monarch.
Trooping of the Colour
37
What is the purpose of the Royal Assent?
To approve Bills passed by Parliament
38
Who is the leader of the largest party in parliament?
The Prime Minister
## Footnote
The Prime Minister discharges powers delegated to them under the Royal Prerogative on behalf of the monarch.
39
What is the executive decision-making body of Her Majesty’s Government?
The Cabinet
## Footnote
The Cabinet is responsible for making executive decisions.
40
What is one power of the Prime Minister?
Appoint fellow ministers to the crown
## Footnote
Other powers include chairing cabinet meetings and declaring war.
41
How often does the Prime Minister chair meetings of the cabinet?
At least once a week
42
What is the role of Secretaries of State?
They are the political heads of each Government department
## Footnote
They are responsible for creating policy and representing their department in Parliament.
43
What are 'junior ministers'?
Minister of State and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State
## Footnote
They oversee specific areas of policy within a department.
44
What does the Prime Minister periodically do to the Cabinet?
Shuffle the Cabinet
## Footnote
This may involve moving, sacking, or promoting ministers.
45
What is 'Collective responsibility'?
A constitutional convention that members of the cabinet must publicly support all governmental decisions made in the cabinet
## Footnote
This includes voting for the government in the legislature.
46
What happens when a minister breaches the principle of ministerial responsibility?
The accountable minister is expected to take the blame and ultimately resign
47
True or False: The majority of coalition within Parliament is held answerable for a Minister’s failure.
False
## Footnote
Only the individual minister bears ultimate responsibility.
48
What does ministerial responsibility entail?
A cabinet minister bears ultimate responsibility for the actions of their ministry or department
49
Fill in the blank: The Prime Minister can recommend the _______ of parliament for a general election.
dissolution
50
What is one occasion when the principle of collective responsibility may be suspended?
When a minister resigns or is removed from their position
51
What are the three types of bills that go through Parliament?
* Public bills
* Private bills
* Hybrid bills
## Footnote
Public bills affect the general population, private bills are promoted by organizations, and hybrid bills affect both the general public and specific groups.
52
What is a public bill?
A bill that introduces or amends legislation for the general population
## Footnote
Almost all Government bills and Private Members' Bills are considered public bills.
53
What is a private bill?
A bill usually promoted by organizations to give themselves powers beyond the general law
## Footnote
Examples include laws that allow councils to control street-trading.
54
What is a hybrid bill?
A bill that affects the general public but also has a significant impact on specific individuals or groups
## Footnote
The construction of the Channel Tunnel is an example of a hybrid bill.
55
Who typically introduces the majority of bills in Parliament?
The Government of the day
## Footnote
These bills often originate from the party's election manifesto.
56
What are Private Members Bills (PMBs)?
Bills introduced by backbench MPs
## Footnote
They are less likely to become law due to limited parliamentary time.
57
What is a ballot in the context of PMBs?
A process where backbench MPs enter a draw to bring in a Bill of their choosing
## Footnote
Ballot Bills take priority over other PMBs for debate time.
58
What is the 10-minute rule bill?
A rule allowing backbench MPs to present their case for a new Bill in a speech lasting up to ten minutes
## Footnote
An opposing speech may also be made before deciding on the Bill's introduction.
59
What is a presentation bill?
A type of Bill introduced without debate in the House of Commons
## Footnote
Advance notice must be given in writing for this type of introduction.
60
What is the first reading of a bill?
The title of the Bill is read out, and an order for it to be printed is made
## Footnote
This stage is usually a formality with no debate.
61
What happens during the second reading of a bill?
The principles of the Bill are debated and voted on by MPs
## Footnote
It is the first opportunity for MPs to discuss the Bill's content.
62
What occurs during the committee stage of a bill?
Detailed examination of the Bill by a committee, which can include evidence from outside experts
## Footnote
This is usually conducted by the Public Bill Committee.
63
What is the report stage of a bill?
MPs consider further amendments to the Bill
## Footnote
All MPs may speak and vote during this stage.
64
What is the third reading of a bill?
A short debate on the Bill's contents without any amendments allowed
## Footnote
If approved, the Bill goes to the House of Lords.
65
What is the consideration of amendments stage?
The final stage where both Houses negotiate amendments to the Bill
## Footnote
This occurs after the Bill has gone through the House of Lords.
66
What happens when Royal Assent is granted?
The Bill becomes an Act
## Footnote
Royal Assent is automatically given if the Bill has successfully passed both Houses.
67
True or False: The House of Lords can reject a bill indefinitely.
False
## Footnote
The House of Lords can reject a bill for about a year, but the House of Commons can reintroduce it in the following session.
68
What does NHS stand for?
National Health Service
69
What is the role of the Secretary of State/Department of Health?
Political head of the Department of Health
70
What is one of the aims of the Department of Health?
Improving the health and wellbeing of people in England
71
What is NHS England?
An at arm’s length body that leads the NHS, overseeing budget, planning, and delivery
72
What do Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) do?
Responsible for commissioning secondary care and some primary care in the NHS
73
What is the main function of NHS Trusts?
Run NHS services including hospitals and ambulances
74
What is the purpose of Health and Wellbeing Boards?
Act as a forum for local commissioners across NHS, social care, and public health
75
How many local Health Watch organizations are there in England?
152
76
What is the role of Health Watch England?
Independent consumer champion for health and social care in England
77
What does NICE stand for?
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
78
What is one responsibility of NICE?
National Institute of Health and Care Excellence - Deciding which drugs and treatments should be available to patients on the NHS
79
What is the Care Quality Commission responsible for?
Assessing trusts and health services and producing publicly-available reports
80
Fill in the blank: NHS England allocates funding to _______.
clinical commissioning groups
81
True or False: NICE's decisions apply to all parts of the UK.
False
82
What year was NICE set up?
1999
83
What approach do Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) aim to produce?
A bottom up approach to healthcare planning
84
What does the Care Quality Commission rank health services from?
Outstanding to Inadequate
85
What is the House of Lords?
The House of Lords is the ‘upper’ house or second chamber of Parliament
86
How many members are currently in the House of Lords?
There are currently 785 members of the House of Lords
87
What is one of the roles of the House of Lords?
Questioning Government ministers
88
What power does the House of Lords have regarding legislation?
The power to amend or reject bills
89
What happens if the Commons pass a bill in three successive sessions and it's rejected by the Lords?
The Speaker of the Commons can send the bill to the monarch for Royal Assent without the Lords' consent
90
True or False: Any rejection of a bill by the House of Lords usually delays the inevitable.
True
91
What are the three types of peers that sit in the House of Lords?
* Life peers
* Elected hereditary peers
* Lords Spiritual
92
Who are most members of the House of Lords?
Life peers
93
What is a defining characteristic of life peers?
Their title and right to sit in the House of Lords does NOT pass on to their heir
94
What are members of the House of Lords who do not represent political parties called?
Crossbenchers
95
Name an example of a life peer.
* Lord Alan Sugar
* Baroness Doreen Lawrence
* Baroness Karen Brady
96
What happened to most hereditary peers in 1999?
The Labour Government removed the right of most hereditary peers to sit in the House of Lords
97
How many hereditary peers are allowed to remain in the House of Lords?
92 hereditary peers
98
What is the process when a hereditary peer dies?
An internal election is held to replace them
99
Who are the Lords Spiritual?
The 26 most senior bishops and archbishops of the Church of England
100
What is the role of the House of Lords Appointments Commission?
* Recommend individuals for appointment as non-party-political life peers
* Vet nominations for life peers
101
What document is issued by the Queen to create a life peerage?
Letters Patent
102
What must members do if they cannot attend the House of Lords regularly?
Apply for a Leave of Absence
103
How much notice must a peer give to return early from a leave of absence?
Three months' notice
104
What is the primary oversight body for transport policy in England?
Department for Transport
## Footnote
The Department for Transport also handles some non-devolved matters in the UK’s other countries.
105
What are the two main categories of roads in England?
* Trunk roads
* County roads
106
What type of roads does the Department for Transport officially manage?
Trunk roads
107
What is the former name of National Highways?
Highways England
108
What is one of the key responsibilities of National Highways?
Manage road traffic & tackle congestion
109
What services do local authorities provide related to public transport?
* Bus routes in socially necessary areas
* Taxi and minicab licensing
* Funding concessionary fare schemes
110
Who is responsible for providing open air car parks and on-street parking facilities?
Local authorities
111
In Greater London, who employs parking attendants?
TfL
112
What type of vehicle charging points do local authorities provide?
Electric charging points for non-combustion engine vehicles
113
What is one role of local authorities in managing traffic?
Managing congestion charge zones and low emission zones
114
What maintenance responsibility do county councils have regarding speed cameras?
Maintenance of speed cameras
115
What major change occurred in Oxfordshire County Council in 2010 regarding speed cameras?
They stopped funding their speed cameras
116
What has been the trend regarding speed cameras since 2014?
Growing numbers of ‘average speed cameras’
117
What type of partnership runs Britain’s railway network?
Public-private partnership
118
Who is currently responsible for managing the rail network in Britain?
Network Rail
119
What is expected to replace Network Rail?
Great British Railways
120
What approach will replace the old franchising system in rail transport?
Fixed fee approach
121
What year was the Freedom of Information Act introduced?
2000
122
Who introduced the Freedom of Information Act?
The Labour Government
123
What does the Freedom of Information Act provide?
Access to information from public bodies on demand
124
Before the Freedom of Information Act, how was information released?
On a 'need to know' basis
125
Which types of public bodies are covered by the Freedom of Information Act 2000?
* Government departments
* Devolved Governments (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
* Local authorities
* Police and emergency services
* NHS bodies
* Non-departmental public bodies
* Committees and advisory bodies
* Schools, colleges, and universities
* Public service broadcasters (e.g., BBC, Channel 4, S4C)
126
What types of information can be requested under the Freedom of Information Act?
Any information, with some exceptions
127
What must a public authority do if they withhold information?
Tell you why they have withheld it
128
What are the two types of exemptions under the Freedom of Information Act?
* Absolute exemptions
* Qualified exemptions
129
What characterizes absolute exemptions?
Very difficult to challenge; no public interest test applied
130
List some examples of absolute exemptions.
* Information accessible by other means
* Security matters
* Court records
* Parliamentary privilege
* Information held by the House of Commons or House of Lords
* Data Protection Act 1998 related information
* Information provided in confidence
* Prohibited disclosures by enactment or EU obligations
* Communications with the Sovereign and heirs
131
What is required for qualified exemptions?
Public interest test must be completed by the public authority
132
What are some examples of qualified exemptions?
* Information intended for future publication
* National security concerns
* Information held for investigations
* Communications with Royal Family members
* Trade secrets
* Information prejudicing government work
133
True or False: The majority of exemptions in the Freedom of Information Act are qualified.
True
134
What is the electoral system used by the House of Commons and local councils in England and Wales?
First-past-the-post
## Footnote
This system requires voters to put a cross next to their preferred candidate, and the candidate with the most votes wins.
135
How are constituencies and local authorities divided in the UK?
The UK is divided into constituencies; local authorities are divided into wards
## Footnote
Each constituency or ward elects a representative.
136
What happens if no candidate receives more than 50% of the first preference votes in the Alternative Vote system?
The candidate with the fewest first preference votes is eliminated
## Footnote
Their second preference votes are then reallocated to the remaining candidates.
137
In the Supplementary Vote system, what happens after the first round of voting?
All but the top two candidates are eliminated
## Footnote
Second preference votes of the eliminated candidates are counted.
138
What is the Single Transferable Vote system used for?
It is used for Northern Ireland Assembly elections and local councils in Scotland and Northern Ireland
## Footnote
This system allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference.
139
How do voters participate in the Additional Member System?
Voters are given two votes on separate ballot papers
## Footnote
One vote is for a constituency member and one for a party list.
140
What is required for a candidate to be elected in the Single Transferable Vote system?
Each candidate needs to reach a quota
## Footnote
The quota is the minimum number of votes calculated based on the number of seats and votes cast.
141
What does the Party List System represent?
It is a true form of proportional representation
## Footnote
The number of seats won is closely aligned with the percentage of votes received.
142
What was the result of the 2011 referendum regarding the Alternative Vote?
The referendum to switch to AV was defeated
## Footnote
AV is still used for some parliamentary committee elections.
143
In the Additional Member System, how are additional members elected?
By counting the party list votes in each region
## Footnote
The number of members elected from the list is based on the percentage of votes cast.
144
What is the process for voters in the First-past-the-post system?
Voters put a cross (X) next to their preferred candidate on a ballot paper
## Footnote
The candidate with the most votes represents the constituency or ward.
145
In the Single Transferable Vote system, what happens to surplus votes?
Surplus votes from candidates who hit the quota go to second preference candidates
## Footnote
Votes from the candidate with the fewest votes are eliminated.
146
What type of elections use the Supplementary Vote system?
Elected mayors in England and Wales and Police and Crime Commissioners
## Footnote
This system emphasizes a two-round elimination process.
147
What do voters choose in the Party List System?
Voters choose parties, not candidates
## Footnote
The parties determine the order of candidates on the list.
148
What is devolution?
Devolution is the transfer of powers from one central authority to a lower authority, typically from a Government to a lower level.
149
From where is power devolved in the UK?
Power is devolved from Westminster to the devolved Governments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
150
What are the two main referendums that led to devolution in the UK?
Referendums in Scotland (74%) and Wales (50.3%) in 1997.
151
What was created as a result of the 1997 and 1998 referendums?
Scottish Parliament, National Assembly for Wales, and Northern Ireland Assembly.
152
Which devolved Government has the most powers?
Scotland has the most devolved powers.
153
What matters are reserved to the UK Government at Westminster?
Foreign affairs, defence, social security, and overall tax policy.
154
Fill in the blank: Policing is devolved in Northern Ireland and Scotland but ______ in Wales.
reserved
155
What was the outcome of the March 2011 referendum in Wales?
A majority voted in favour of more legislative powers being transferred from the UK parliament to the Welsh Assembly.
156
What is the West Lothian Question?
The perceived imbalance between the voting rights of MPs from Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish constituencies and those from English constituencies.
157
What does 'English votes for English laws' refer to?
A proposal to address the West Lothian Question by allowing only English MPs to vote on certain matters.
158
When was the 'English votes for English laws' introduced?
In October 2015.
159
What was the aspiration of the Coalition Government regarding city regions?
To build ‘strong city regions’ with integrated public services to boost growth.
160
What was the first deal agreed for regional devolution?
The deal between Westminster and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority in 2014.
161
What Act introduced statutory powers for metro mayors?
The Cities and Local Government Devolution Act 2016.
162
List three regions where the first metro mayor elections took place in 2017.
* Greater Manchester
* Liverpool City Region
* West Midlands
163
What powers were included in the Greater Manchester devolution deal?
* Health and social care integration
* Children’s services
* Offender management
* Housing construction
* Devolved responsibility for police and crime
164
What did the West of England deal include?
Access to more housing grants and planning powers.
165
What are Backbench MPs?
Backbench MPs are any Member of Parliament who does not have a role within the Government or shadow Cabinet.
## Footnote
The majority of MPs in the House of Commons are backbench MPs.
166
What roles do Backbench MPs have?
Backbench MPs have several roles including:
* Representing their constituencies
* Holding the Government to account
* Participating in the law-making process
* Introducing legislation via Private Members Bills
* Upholding party values.
## Footnote
They engage in case work, raise issues in Parliament, ask questions at PMQs, and vote on legislation.
167
How do Backbench MPs hold the Government accountable?
Backbench MPs hold the Government accountable by:
* Asking questions at PMQs
* Voting down legislation
* Participating in debates.
## Footnote
These actions contribute to the checks and balances within Parliament.
168
What is the significance of Backbench MPs in voting?
Individually, backbenchers have little power, but collectively they can wield considerable influence, especially in unstable voting margins.
## Footnote
Their collective voting power can significantly affect legislative outcomes.
169
What is the whips system?
The whips system is a method used to enforce party discipline among MPs.
## Footnote
It involves appointed MPs (whips) ensuring party members vote according to party lines.
170
What are the three meanings of the term 'whip'?
The term 'whip' can refer to:
* MPs appointed to enforce party discipline
* The authority for MPs to represent the party
* The agenda indicating expected voting behavior.
## Footnote
The whip system uses threats and incentives to maintain discipline.
171
What happens if an MP falls foul of their leader regarding party discipline?
If an MP falls foul of their leader, they can have the 'whip' removed, resulting in no longer being classed as an MP for that party.
## Footnote
This highlights the strict nature of party discipline within parliamentary systems.
172
What does the whip agenda indicate?
The whip agenda indicates which way MPs are expected to vote in parliamentary votes, ranked by importance with underlines.
## Footnote
A three-line whip indicates the most strict voting requirement.
173
Fill in the blank: Backbench MPs can introduce legislation through _______
Private Members Bills.
## Footnote
However, these bills have little chance of becoming law.
174
Spring Statement
"a mid year" review of the economy and provides the government an opportunity to outline its fiscal direction, but it's not as comprehensive or as detailed as the Autumn Budget.
175
