UK GOV - PARLI 2.2.2.4 Functions of Parliament (scrutiny)

Question 1

What is the primary function of Parliament in relation to the executive?

Answer 1

To scrutinise the work of the executive.

Question 2

What are the methods of scrutiny used by Parliament?

Answer 2

• Questioning
• Debates
• Votes of No Confidence
• Select Committees

Question 3

What is Parliamentary scrutiny?

Answer 3

The close examination of government policy carried out by Parliament.

Question 4

What is the average age of a Lord?

Answer 4

71 years

Question 5

What percentage of MPs are women?

Answer 5

40%

Question 6

How often is Prime Minister’s Questions held?

Answer 6

Every sitting Wednesday from 12-12:30.

Question 7

What is an urgent question in Parliament?

Answer 7

A question requiring a minister to come to the Chamber and give an immediate answer.

Question 8

What is Hansard?

Answer 8

The official Parliamentary report where all debates are published.

Question 9

What are substantive motions?

Answer 9

Motions that initiate a debate on a specific issue.

Question 10

What is a Vote of No Confidence (VoNC)?

Answer 10

A motion to test the support of the House of Commons for the Government.

Question 11

What key reforms were introduced by the Wright Reforms in 2009?

Answer 11

• Chairs of select committees are directly elected by secret ballot.
• Members of select committees are selected by secret ballot.

Question 12

How many members typically make up a select committee?

Answer 12

At least 11 members.

Question 13

What is the role of backbenchers in Parliament?

Answer 13

• Serve their constituents
• Vote according to the party line
• Campaigning MP

Question 14

What is the Backbench Business Committee (BBBC)?

Answer 14

A committee with the power to schedule business on 35 days of a parliamentary session.

Question 15

In what year did the Labour party use an opposition day to extend free school meals?

Answer 15

2020

Question 16

What is the role of select committees in Parliament?

Answer 16

To hold ministers and departments to account and investigate public concerns.

Question 17

What percentage of POP are minority ethnic?

Answer 17

18%

Question 18

What is the significance of the term ‘lobby fodder’?

Answer 18

Backbenchers who vote according to the party line.

Question 19

What does the term ‘Humble Address’ refer to?

Answer 19

A motion used on opposition days to force the government to release documents.

Question 20

True or False: The Official Opposition receives 17 out of 20 allocated opposition days.

Answer 20

True

Question 21

What impact did the Wright Reforms have on backbenchers?

Answer 21

Increased their power and ability to schedule debates.

Question 22

What is the role of the House of Commons Liaison Committee?

Answer 22

To oversee the work of select committees.

Question 23

What are ‘Emergency motions’ in Parliament?

Answer 23

Motions that are urgent and require immediate discussion.

Question 24

What is the average age of an MP?

Answer 24

Average age is not explicitly stated, but is relevant to representation.

Question 25

What is the significance of PMQs?

Answer 25

A key opportunity for the Leader of the Opposition to question the Prime Minister.

Question 26

Fill in the blank: The vast majority of procedures in Parliament take place in the form of _______.

Answer 26

debate

Question 27

What is the 'Queen of Select Committees'?

Answer 27

The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee.

Question 28

What is the role of the Lords in scrutiny?

Answer 28

* Ask urgent questions * Set motions for debate * Conduct select committees

Question 29

What is the constitutional limitation that affects the House of Lords?

Answer 29

The Salisbury Convention.

Question 30

Who chaired the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee as of December 2024?

Answer 30

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP.

Question 32

What is the delegate model of representation?

Answer 32

A model where representatives act in accordance with the wishes of their constituents.

Question 33

What is a public bill committee?

Answer 33

A committee that examines the details of a proposed bill in the House of Commons.

Question 34

What are the five key principles of the UK Constitution?

Answer 34

* Parliamentary sovereignty * Rule of law * Separation of powers * Democracy * Constitutional conventions

Question 35

Who is linked to representation in this context?

Answer 35

Dominic Cummings

Question 36

What is parliamentary ping pong?

Answer 36

The process where a bill is sent back and forth between the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Question 37

Why can parliamentary ping pong not go on forever?

Answer 37

Eventually, one house must agree to the bill or it will be dropped.

Question 38

What does SCCREW stand for?

Question 39

Identify the odd one out in terms of descriptive representation: RACE, GENDER, SEXUAL ORIENTATION.

Answer 39

SEXUAL ORIENTATION

Question 40

Give one reason that supports the idea that government dominates the legislative process.

Answer 40

The government controls the legislative agenda.

Question 41

Which government passed the Constitutional Reform Act 2005?

Answer 41

The Labour government.

Question 42

How did the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 change the constitution?

Answer 42

It reformed the role of the House of Lords and established the Supreme Court.

Question 43

What are Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQ)?

Answer 43

A weekly session where the Prime Minister answers questions from MPs.

Question 44

List types of parliamentary questions.

Answer 44

* Written questions * Oral questions * Urgent questions

Question 45

What is an emergency debate?

Answer 45

A debate called on urgent matters requiring immediate attention.

Question 46

What are opposition day debates?

Answer 46

Debates initiated by the opposition to discuss specific issues.

Question 47

What are backbench debates?

Answer 47

Debates led by backbench MPs on various topics.

Question 48

What are adjournment debates?

Answer 48

Short debates at the end of a parliamentary day on specific issues.

Question 49

What is the role of select committees?

Answer 49

To scrutinize government work and hold it accountable.

Question 50

What is the Liaison Committee?

Answer 50

A committee that oversees select committee operations and reports.

Question 51

What is the Public Accounts Committee responsible for?

Answer 51

Examining the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of public spending.

Question 52

What does the Committee on Standards oversee?

Answer 52

The conduct of MPs and regulation of their financial interests.

Question 53

What is the Committee of Privileges?

Answer 53

A committee that considers matters of privilege referred by the House of Commons.

Question 54

What is a significant outcome of the 2023 Committee of Privileges investigation?

Answer 54

Boris Johnson was found to have misled the House over 'Party gate'.

Question 55

What percentage of select committee recommendations lead to government action?

Answer 55

Around 40%.

Question 56

What was the focus of the inquiry into COVID-19 by the Health and Social Care committee?

Answer 56

Questioning Dominic Cummings.

Question 57

What scandal did the business and Trade Committee investigate?

Answer 57

The Post Office Horizon IT scandal.

Question 58

How long does the government have to reply to a select committee report?

Answer 58

Within two months.

Question 59

What is the role of the Chairs of select committees?

Answer 59

To take evidence from the Prime Minister and recommend debate topics.

Question 60

What was Boris Johnson's excuse for missing hearings in 2019?

Answer 60

The delivery of Brexit.

Question 61

Who chairs the Public Accounts Committee?

Answer 61

A member of the opposition.

Question 62

What is the significance of the HS2 report on Euston station in 2023?

Answer 62

It was one of the most publicized inquiries by the Public Accounts Committee.