Hol and hoc

• What type of legislature is the UK Parliament?

  Bicameral
• What are the two houses of the UK Parliament?

  House of Commons and House of Lords
• What is the role of the House of Lords in the UK Parliament?

  To balance political power and representation
• How many Members of Parliament (MPs) are in the House of Commons?

  650 MPs
• What is the typical constituency size represented by an MP?

  60,000-80,000 voters
• Who enforces discipline among MPs in the House of Commons?

  Party whips
• What is the role of the Speaker in the House of Commons?

  To ensure impartial proceedings
• How are prospective candidates for MPs chosen?

  By local party committees
• What type of members are in the House of Lords?

  Hereditary peers, life peers, Lords Spiritual
• What is the primary reason life peers are appointed in the House of Lords?

  For their expertise
• Who formally appoints life peers in the House of Lords?

  The monarch
• What is a major reason for reforming the House of Lords?

  Its unelected nature and lack of accountability
• What are the proposed reforms for the House of Lords?

  • Increase or reduce its powers
  • Full abolition
  • Introduce an elected or hybrid chamber
• What is the primary function of both houses in the UK Parliament regarding legislation?

  To pass, amend, and scrutinize laws
• What authority does the House of Commons have over legislation?

  Ultimate authority
• What does the Salisbury Convention prevent?

  Blocking government manifesto promises
• What are Private Members' Bills?

  Proposed laws by backbench MPs
• How often do Private Members' Bills pass?

  Rarely
• What is secondary legislation?

  Regulations requiring minimal scrutiny
• What is the focus of the Commons in scrutiny of legislation?

  Political accountability
• What is the focus of the Lords in scrutiny of legislation?

  Detailed reviews
• How does the Commons hold the government accountable?

  By questioning ministers and debating policies
• What can the Commons do through a vote of no confidence?

  Remove a government
• How does the Lords contribute to government scrutiny?

  By also scrutinizing policies
• What is the primary representation role of the Commons?

  To represent constituencies
• How does the Lords represent opinions?

  Offers broader, less formal representation
• What progress has the Commons made toward social diversity?

  Progress but still falls short
• What concerns exist regarding the social representation in the Lords?

  Predominantly older, white, and privately educated