The structure of the house of commons

Question 1

Explain the idea of constituency representation

Answer 1

• 650 MPs are elected from a constituency
• Constituencies are rougly equal in size; containing 60,000 to 80,000 voters
• 553 in England, 59 in Scotland, 40 in Wales and 18 in Northern Ireland

Question 2

Explain the idea of party representation

Answer 2

• The vast majority of MPs represent a political party
• It is rare that they would be elected as an independent candidate

Question 3

What two types are elected MPs divided into depending on party seniority?

Answer 3

Frontbench and backbench

Question 4

What is a frontbench MP?

Answer 4

• They are more senior
• In the governing party, they will be ministers and officials appointed by the PM
• There are normally about 90 on the governing side
• Leading members of the opposition party are also frontbenchers
• These can be spokespeople or shadow ministers
• There will normally be about 50 of them
• The total number of frontbench MPs in therefore 140-150

Question 5

What is a backbench MP?

Answer 5

• Very much in the majority
• They are more independent than frontbench MPs but are expected to show loyalty
• Members of smaller parties are also considered to be backbenchers

Question 6

What are committees?

Answer 6

• MPs do much of their work in committees
• The main types of committees are select and legislative

Question 7

What is a party whip?

Answer 7

An official appointed by the party leader whose role is to enforce discipline and loyalty, inform MPs about parliamentary business and act as a means of communication between frontbench and backbench MPs

Question 8

Where does the term ‘whip’ originate?

Answer 8

Fox hunting; where a rider known as the ‘whipper in’ tried to keep the hounds in order

Question 9

Who do party whips work under?

Answer 9

A chief whip

Question 10

What do whips often warn leadership about?

Answer 10

Possible rebellions and dissidence

Question 11

Who oversees the proceedings of the house of commons?

Answer 11

The speaker

Question 12

Explain the role of the speaker

Answer 12

• Despite coming from one of the parties, they are expected to put political opinions to one side when performing the role
• Work with party leaderships to organise the business of parliament
• Maintain discipline and order in debates
• Decide who gets to speak in debates or question times
• Settle disputes about the work of parliament

Question 13

Who has acted as the speaker since 2019?

Answer 13

Sir Lindsay Hoyle

Question 14

How is the speaker decided upon?

Answer 14

They must be an MP decided upon by all other MPs

Question 15

What is the yearly salary of an MP?

Answer 15

£82,000

Question 16

Who sets pay increases for MPs and regulates their parliamentary expenses?

Answer 16

The Independent Parliamentary Salaries Authority

Question 17

What do parliamentary expenses cover?

Answer 17

• Running an office
• Employing staff
• Accommodation
• Travel

Question 18

What is parliamentary privilege?

Answer 18

The legal immunity enjoyed by MPs, particularly their right to free speech in parliament

Question 19

What are the two most important aspects of parliamentary privilege?

Answer 19

Freedom of speech and exclusive cognisance

Question 20

Explain the idea of parliamentary freedom of speech

Answer 20

Members of both houses are free to raise any issue without fear of prosecution

Question 21

Explain the idea of exclusive cognisance

Answer 21

The right of each house to relegate its affairs without interference from outside bodies

Question 22

What happens to MPs who are imprisoned, suspended for more than 21 days, or found guilty of expenses abuses?

Answer 22

They may be dismissed by their constituents under the recall act of 2015 - if after 8 weeks 10% of eligible voters have signed the recall. This will make there seat vacant and force a by-election

Question 23

Name two controversial things that are not cause for an act of recall?

Answer 23

• Defecting to another party
• Having a voting record that constituents do not approve of