To what extent is the House of Commons effective in carrying out its functions (25 marks)

?
  • Created by: Axiana
  • Created on: 09-01-17 18:25
View mindmap
  • House of Commons
    • Representation
      • Negative
        • Minority of women
        • Few representative from minority ethnic groups
        • Few representative from smaller religions.
        • Members
          • Extentially from background of profesions
          • Predominantly middle class
        • Large Parties
          • mainly over-represented
        • Small Parties
          • mainly under-represented
        • 650 MPs
          • Poor research facilities
      • Positive
        • 650 MPs
          • Very active
            • Representing the interests of their constituency
            • Debating key issues
            • May seek the amendent of grievances of citizens and groups
    • Legislating
      • Positive
        • It is a key role of the Commons to make legislation legitimate
          • Effectively means granting consent on behalf of the people
            • Widespread of public support
        • Laws are generally respected because they have been legetimised
          • Works well
            • Effectively means granting consent on behalf of the people
              • Widespread of public support
        • Look at proposed legislation with a view to improve it through amwndments
      • Negative
        • The procedures of passing legislation are ancient
          • also considered to be inefficient and ritualised
        • There is not enough time to properly debate any legislation and MPs are under the authority of whips
    • Calling governement to account
      • Positive
        • Ministers do have to be accountable regularly
        • MPs regularly question ministers at question time sessions
          • (twice a week)
        • Ministers are forced to present all policies to the Commons
          • before any other oublic announments
            • (tradition)
      • Negative
        • Many MPs are reluctant to be critical of ministers of their own party
          • fear of being disloyal
    • Scrutiny
      • Positive
        • Departmental select committees
          • proved to be very successful in scrutinising
            • Policies of government departments
            • Publishing shortcomings or failures
      • Negative
        • MPs are given relatively little time to scrutinize proposed legislation.
          • Laws are often poorly drafted

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Government & Politics resources:

See all Government & Politics resources »See all Parliament resources »