UK GOV: PARLI-2.2.2.3 Functions of Parliament (selection & representation 2)

Question 1

What is the primary function of Parliament?

Answer 1

Passing legislation

Criticisms exist regarding the effectiveness of Parliament in fulfilling this function.

Question 2

How long can The Lords delay a bill according to the Parliament Acts?

Answer 2

For a year

This limit is due to the Parliament Acts.

Question 3

What is the term for the legislative process involving the First reading, Committee Stage, Report stage, and Royal assent?

Answer 3

Legislative process

Question 4

What does representation in Parliament mean?

Answer 4

To stand for somebody or to act on their behalf

Question 5

In what two ways does Parliament represent the public?

Answer 5

• MPs represent the views of their constituents
• Parliament reflects the views of the country

Question 6

What is the Trustee Model of representation?

Answer 6

MPs have the trust of their constituents to make decisions

Question 7

What is the Delegate Model of representation?

Answer 7

MPs act as mouthpieces, reflecting their constituents’ views

Question 8

What is the average age of MPs as of the 2024 election?

Answer 8

46 years

Question 9

What percentage of MPs are women as of the 2024 election?

Answer 9

40%

Question 10

What is the percentage of MPs from a minority ethnic background as of 2024?

Answer 10

14%

Question 11

What is the significance of a more representative Parliament?

Answer 11

• Better empathy with community issues
• Increases faith in Parliament among minorities

Question 12

True or False: Good MPs can represent their constituents regardless of their background.

Answer 12

True

Question 13

What is the party mandate model?

Answer 13

Political parties serve the primary purpose of representation

Question 14

What action did PM Keir Starmer take regarding 7 MPs in July 2024?

Answer 14

Removed the Labour whip for voting in favor of an SNP amendment

Question 15

What is the average age of the House of Lords as of 2024?

Answer 15

71 years

Question 16

What percentage of the House of Lords are women?

Answer 16

30%

Question 17

What is one of the selling points of the House of Lords?

Answer 17

Professional expertise not found in the Commons

Question 18

Fill in the blank: The Lords have served as MPs in the Commons, including ________.

Answer 18

2 PMs

Question 19

What is the role of Lords Spiritual in the House of Lords?

Answer 19

C of E bishops appointed to the House

Question 20

What is the significance of the resemblance model of representation?

Answer 20

Emphasizes the groups to which a representative belongs

Question 21

What percentage of MPs are openly LGBT+?

Answer 21

9.8%

Question 22

How does expertise in the Lords ensure effective scrutiny of bills?

Answer 22

Provides specialized knowledge and experience

Question 23

What is the claim regarding a more descriptive Parliament?

Answer 23

A more descriptive parliament is a more effective Parliament

Question 24

Name one drawback of the Delegate Model.

Answer 24

It may overlook the MP’s judgement

Question 25

What is one example of expertise found in the House of Lords?

Answer 25

* Previous MPs * Supreme Court Justices * Former EU Commissioners * Trade Union Secretaries * University leaders

Question 26

What is the importance of having diverse representation in Parliament?

Answer 26

Ensures discussions on issues affecting various groups

Question 28

What is the average age of MPs after the 2024 Election?

Answer 28

48 years of age ## Footnote This average is down 2 years from the average between 1979-2019.

Question 29

How many MPs are under 30 years of age?

Answer 29

20 MPs ## Footnote This number reflects a shift in the demographic of MPs.

Question 30

What is the median age of MPs?

Answer 30

40.7 years

Question 31

What percentage of MPs are women?

Answer 31

40% ## Footnote This is an increase from 29% in 2015.

Question 32

What percentage of the UK population are women?

Answer 32

51%

Question 33

How many MPs come from a minority ethnic background?

Answer 33

90 MPs (14%) ## Footnote This is the highest representation in Parliamentary history.

Question 34

What percentage of MPs are from minority ethnic backgrounds?

Answer 34

18%

Question 35

What percentage of all MPs are university graduates?

Answer 35

90%

Question 36

What percentage of MPs have attended Oxford or Cambridge?

Answer 36

20%

Question 37

What percentage of MPs went to a fee-paying school?

Answer 37

24%

Question 38

What percentage of MPs in 2019 went to Oxbridge?

Answer 38

21%

Question 39

What percentage of MPs attend Oxbridge?

Answer 39

Less than 1%

Question 40

What percentage of MPs are openly LGBT+?

Answer 40

9.8% ## Footnote This is an increase from 7% in 2019.

Question 41

What was the percentage of openly LGBT+ MPs in 2019?

Answer 41

7%

Question 42

What percentage of Lords once served as MPs in the Commons?

Answer 42

21%

Question 43

How many Lords have previously served in the Supreme Court?

Answer 43

7 Lords

Question 44

How many Lords were previous EU Commissioners?

Answer 44

6 Lords

Question 45

How many Lords have served as Secretaries of Trade Unions?

Answer 45

14 Lords

Question 46

How many Lords have served in senior positions in academia?

Answer 46

19 Lords

Question 47

How many Lords have been newspaper editors?

Answer 47

5 Lords

Question 48

How many Lords are authors?

Answer 48

9 Lords

Question 49

How many Lords have been Olympic/Paralympic athletes?

Answer 49

5 Lords

Question 50

Give an example of MP's with expertise being kept off PBC