Select committees

• What is the role of the House of Commons in relation to the Executive?

  To hold the Executive to account
• Why is it important for the House of Commons to hold the Executive to account?

  To prevent overreach of power and maintain sovereignty
• How does the Executive's majority in the House of Commons affect scrutiny?

  It undermines the effectiveness of scrutiny
• What are select committees and their significance in the House of Commons?

  • Non-partisan committees
  • Hold the Executive to account
  • Produce reports based on expert testimony
• What is a limitation of select committee reports?

  They are not legally binding
• What does the effectiveness of select committees depend on?

  The Executive's willingness to implement suggestions
• How do select committees differ from Public Bill Committees?

  Select committees are non-partisan
• Who typically comprises select committees?

  Highly regarded backbench MPs
• What is a criticism of Prime Minister's Questions Time (PMQT)?

  It prevents genuine debate
• How many questions does the biggest opposition party ask during PMQT?

  Six questions
• What is a consequence of the theatrical nature of PMQT?


  The PM often avoids answering questions
• What is the role of the Liaison Committee in the House of Commons?

  To represent the chairs of all select committees
• How often does the Liaison Committee question the PM?

  Twice a year
• What is a limitation of the Liaison Committee's power?

  It cannot enforce attendance of the PM
• How did Boris Johnson undermine the Liaison Committee's authority?

  By cancelling his appearance before the committee
• What change affected the impartiality of the Liaison Committee's chair selection?

  The government now chooses the chair
• Why is the questioning of the PM by the Liaison Committee considered less impartial now?

  The chair is chosen by the government
• What is the overall argument of the essay regarding select committees?

  They are the most effective way to hold the Executive to account