Parliament

• What is one method Parliament uses for scrutiny?

  Questioning government officials
• How do legislative committees contribute to scrutiny?

  They examine bills and require government approval for amendments
• What indicates a balance of power between Parliament and the government?

  Government approval for committee amendments
• What role does the House of Lords play in scrutiny?

  It contributes significantly during the committee stage of bills
• What unique form of representation does the House of Lords provide?

  Diverse range of opinions
• How does the expertise of Lords members affect legislation scrutiny?

  It leads to informed scrutiny and improvements in laws
• How do the Lords differ from the Commons regarding electoral pressures?

  Lords do not face electoral pressures
• What advantage do non-political backgrounds of many Lords provide?

  Wider range of experiences and expertise
• What is a critical function of the House of Lords during the committee stage?

  Making amendments to bills
• What can happen if a bill is significantly altered in the House of Lords?

  The government may withdraw the bill
• Which historical example illustrates the Lords' influence on legislation?

  The Health and Social Care Bill amendments
• How many peers did UKIP have until 2019?

  Five peers
• How does weaker party control in the Lords affect representation?

  Enhances representation of smaller parties
• What role do crossbench peers play in the Lords?

  Facilitate discussions on marginal interests
• What limits the House of Lords' ability to scrutinize government actions?

  The concentration of senior ministers in the Commons
• How does the Lords' role differ in the legislative process compared to scrutinizing government actions?

  They have more influence during the legislative process
• What key issues are debated in the Commons during national emergencies?

  Foreign policy decisions and national emergencies
• What type of issues does the Commons often address during crises?

  Significant national issues transcending party politics
• Why is the scrutiny process essential?

  It holds the government accountable and ensures public interest
• What case study illustrates the Lords' attempts to influence government decisions?

  The scrutiny of Brexit legislation
• How are debates in the Commons characterized during crises?

  Powerful speeches and set aside party allegiances
• How can the effectiveness of scrutiny in the Lords be observed?

  Through amendments leading to significant legislative changes
• What does Yvette Cooper's questioning during Brexit debates illustrate?

  Commons' role in addressing national concerns
• What is the Commons' role in public representation?

  Allows citizens' voices to be heard
• What is a fundamental aspect of the UK political system regarding MPs?

  Each MP represents their constituency's interests
• How do MPs engage in constituency work?

  By addressing local issues and holding surgeries
• How has Parliament's role been historically significant during wars?

  Shaping national policy
• What type of issues does the Lords engage in debates about?

  Moral and ethical dimensions
• What conflict can arise from constituency representation?

  Conflicts between party loyalty and local interests
• What recent topics have been debated in the Lords?

  Assisted suicide and stem cell research
• How do MPs demonstrate the importance of local representation?

  By lobbying ministers on behalf of constituents
• What historical context influenced MPs' actions in the 2019 general election?

  Constituency concerns
• What is the outcome of debates in the Lords typically?

  Inform policymakers and public discourse
• How does the composition of the Lords contribute to discussions?

  Allows for nuanced discussions on complex issues
• What do debates on GM crops illustrate about the Lords?

  Addressing scientific and ethical concerns
• What is a key function of MPs regarding grievances?

  Assisting constituents in disputes with public bodies
• How do MPs represent broader societal interests?

  By being influenced by their backgrounds and affiliations
• How has the Lords historically influenced public policy?

  Through deliberation on contentious social issues
• What role do pressure groups play in Parliament?

  They seek MP support to amplify their causes
• What is expected of the Commons regarding social demographics?

  To reflect age, gender, race, and education