Parliament - PreChewed flashcards

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Define bicameral legislature
This means that its divided into 2 commons (Lower House with 650 MP's and Upper house with 808 peers).
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Difference between frontbenchers and backbenchers
FB-MP's who hold ministerial positions in the government (e.g., 2013 over 120 ministers were appointed by PM), BB-MP's in the governing party who do not have a position in cabinet.
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What is the shadow cabinet and shadow ministers?
FB-MP's appointed to act as the 'shadow ministers' who must scrutinise and challenge their government minister. BB- MP's in the opposition party who do not have a position in the shadow cabinet.
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What is the job of the party whip?
Enforce discipline within the party - make sure the parties backbenchers vote alongside the frontbenchers. They issue weekly instructions - a '3 line whip' - important vote that must be attended+follow the party line.
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What method can whips use
Carrot or stick method -C is where they try to persuade MP's that the gov's position is correct, + try to tempt them with a promo into a ministerial position, S- Threaten MP's with losing any change of promo, or even expelling them from the party.
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What is the job of the speaker?
Elected by MP's following a GE, when an MP comes speaker they have to become neutral. Speaker must maintain a balance between the diff speaking groups: govt will try to explain their actions, opposition will want to question+scrutinise govt actions.
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Who sits in the HoL?
Historically hereditary peers, but after 1999 numbers reduced to 92 hereditary peers. By-elections (using the AV) are held when a peer dies. Predominantly holds life peers . Also has Lord Spirituals (26 archbishops,bishops from the Church of England)
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Why is the queen considered part of Parliament?
Because legislation must receive the Royal Assent. Queen appoints PM, delivers the Queens Speak and has royal prerogative. But these conventions means that they are ceremonial and most have been transferred to the PM.
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Why is the HoL viewed as a 'revising chamber' since the Parliament Act?
Before 1911 HoL could block bills from the HoC. Since 1911 HoL has been restricted to delay bills for up to 2 years+prevents them from blocking money bills. Also the PA 1945 reduced the power to only one year delay.
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What is the difference between Green and White papers?
Green papers are more open. They are a government document setting out various different ideas+options for a bill - designed to provoke debate. WP are more focused. Set out concrete intentions+plans for an upcoming bill - still invites comment.
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What are private-member bills (PMB's)?
Bills introduced by backbench MP's+Lords who are not members of the government. Opportunity for backbenchers to address any of their constituents issues+concerns, that are not currently being addressed.
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What is the difference between the report stage, and the third reading?
Report stage is where any amendments made by PBC's can be accepted or rejected by the whole house. MP's can also propose new amendments to the Bill. The 3rd reading is more focussed than earlier debates, no further amendments can be made.
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Why is the second reading of a bill more significant than the first reading?
1st reading- the title of the Bill is read out, followed by an order for it to be printed - no debate. 2nd reading - Govt minister responsible for the Bill makes a statement, followed by comments from the relevant shadow minister.
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What is a public bill committee (PBC)?
Committees have min 16 members + max 50, the proportion of members from each party reflects their current strength in the commons. They are able to take evidence from outside experts+interest groups on the merits+the flaws of Bills.
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Which MPs get to introduce a Ballot Bill?
All MPs who wish to introduce a PMB enter their names+20 names are selected randomly. The order in which the 20 names are drawn equates to priority order for timetabling the PMB for debate. Ballot Bills have the best chance of success - have priority
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What are 10 minutes rule bills and presentations bills (introduce title but can't speak about it)?
10min BB- MP's make a 10min speech outlining their proposed bill after QT. If the house agrees it will have its first reading (very few receive royal assent). PB- Have least chance of success+used to spark interest or debate on a subject.
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How can MP's waste time during Government Bills?
Opponents can filibuster so that when the debate finishes at 2:30pm, only completely unopposed Bills process to the next stage.
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What are opposition/supply days?
Where theres 20days reserved for the opposition. Official Opposition Party is given 17 opportunity days and the 2nd biggest is given 3 days. EG: In 2009 govt was defeated in an opposition day vote (first time since 1978).
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How effective is Prime Ministers Questions (PMQ) as a form of scrutiny?
PMQ's take place every Wednesday for 30mins where the PM is questioned by the leader of the opposition. Its more of theatrical show (good for holding account) but even Tony Blair stated that its 80% theatre.
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What are departmental select committees (DSC) and what determines their membership?
For each govt department theres a permanent select committee to examine their expenditure, administration, and policy. Currently 19 DSC, with 11-14 members on each. Include members from across the political parties to reflect the proportion of MP's.
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How has the independence of select committees been strengthened recently?
Since 2003 they have been paid an additional salary, this provides an alternative career path for backbench MPs. The 2009 Wright Committee (reform of the HoC committee) published proposals to improve work in the common - has increase independence
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How much impact do select committees have?
Committees publish a report of their findings, with recommendations for the relevant govt department. The department has 60 days to respond to the recommendations. A 2013 study discovered that approx. 44% of recommendations made are actually enacted.
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What is the Liaison committee?
Contains chairs of each of the 32 select committees in the HoC and the chair of the Joint Committee on HR. Decides what SC report will be debated in the HoC, and considers general mates in HoC such as govt power+effectiveness of SC.
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How does the HoL contribute to parliamentary scrutiny of the executive?
Lords Questions, scrutinise legislation, can influence their expertise and experience on matters. Have more time than MP's as they don't have to do constituency work. Also Lord Select Committees (focus on their investigations on specialist subjects).
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What is descriptive representation?
The idea that elected representatives should respect not only the views of constituents, but also their descriptive characteristics, reflecting the balance in gender, ethnicity etc.
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Why is the composition of Parliament still often criticised?
More than 400 MP's (62%) are white men over 40 y/o. 90% attended uni (compared with 20% of the adult population), more than 1/3 of MP's attended private school (compared with 10% of the population).
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What is the delegate theory of representation?
The idea that a representative should strive to pursue the will of their constituents. Where MP's act simply as a mouthpiece, vocalising the views of their constituents who are unable to attend parliament.
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How has technology helped MPs to act as delegates?
Easier to be informed (24 hour news channels, websites), Easier to communicate (email+social media), Eaiser to become involved (e-petitons).
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What is the trustee/Burkean theory of representation?
The idea that elected representatives should still exercise their own judgement whilst making decisions in Parliament. They may discuss local concerns, but ultimately, Parliament must debate all sides of an issue, with the whole nations interests.
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What are free votes?
Often referred to as 'conscience votes' as many MPs may rely heavily upon their own personal+moral views when deciding how to vote, acting more as representatives with their own views, than delegates.
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Why can the size of the governing party's majority help it to avoid defeats in the HoC?
EG: In 1997 Labour won 418 seats, opposition 240, Labour majority of 179, therefore even if every single opposition MP oppose the govt, Labour would still win with a majority of 179. Party could also survive rebellion from within its own party.
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Why is it harder for coalition governments to control backbench MPs?
1) Due to the conflicting ideologies. EG: Backbench Cons are unhappy about Lib Dem policies vice versa. 2) Due to job scarcity - harder for party whips to reward or promise rewards as theres few minister positions.
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Card 2

Front

Difference between frontbenchers and backbenchers

Back

FB-MP's who hold ministerial positions in the government (e.g., 2013 over 120 ministers were appointed by PM), BB-MP's in the governing party who do not have a position in cabinet.

Card 3

Front

What is the shadow cabinet and shadow ministers?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

What is the job of the party whip?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

What method can whips use

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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