parliament and executive

• What are some ways Parliament holds the government to account?

  Through questions, select committees, voting, and no confidence
• Who asks questions of government ministers?

  MPs and House of Lords Peers
• How long do ministers' questions last each day in Parliament?

  1 hour
• What is the purpose of ministers' questions?

  To pressure ministers to know their department's work
• When does Prime Minister's Question Time (PMQs) take place?

  Every Wednesday for 30 minutes
• Who asks the first six questions during PMQs?

  The leader of the opposition
• What is a key benefit of PMQs?

  It provides direct answers from the PM
• Why must the PM be well-briefed for PMQs?

  Because questions are not known in advance
• What criticism is often directed at PMQs?

  It is seen as political point scoring
• What does the term 'Punch and Judy' refer to in the context of PMQs?

  It describes the shouting match atmosphere
• Who described PMQs as a "shouting match every Wednesday lunchtime"?

  Speaker John Bercow
• What is a common tactic used by government MPs during PMQs?

  Asking planted questions
• What did David Cameron's aides do regarding PMQs?

  Sent emails with questions for MPs to ask
• What do Departmental Select Committees do?

  Scrutinise government department work
• How do select committees question ministers?

  Through a longer style of questioning
• Who was questioned by the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee?

  Nick Hurd, the Home Office Minister
• What is a benefit of select committees?

  They publish reports requiring government responses
• How long does the government have to respond to select committee reports?

  60 days
• What was one response from the government to select committee reports?

  Published a response on apprenticeship reforms
• What is a criticism of select committees?

  They can be ineffective if ministers are unhelpful
• Who accused Boris Johnson of "waffling" during questioning?

  The chair of the foreign affairs select committee
• What can backbenchers do to control the executive?

  Vote against government-backed Bills
• What happens during backbench rebellions?

  MPs vote against their own party's legislation
• How has the House of Lords influenced government policy?

  By voting against passing legislation
• What is a limitation of voting against the government?

  It is less effective with a large majority
• What can happen if an MP defies a three-line whip?

  They may be expelled but keep their seat
• What can the House of Lords do regarding legislation?

  Delay legislation and propose amendments
• What is a vote of no confidence?

  A motion to assess confidence in the government
• What happens if the government loses a confidence vote?

  The government resigns by convention
• What was the outcome of James Callaghan's vote of no confidence?

  He stepped down and called a general election
• What can a Prime Minister do to restore authority?

  Call a vote of confidence in their government
• Why are votes of no confidence often unsuccessful?

  Because the government usually has a majority
• What is an elective dictatorship?

  When the executive dominates the legislature
• Who coined the term 'elective dictatorship'?

  Lord Hailsham in 1976
• How does the government control legislation in Parliament?

  By using party whips to instruct votes
• What is parliamentary sovereignty?

  Parliament has ultimate power to pass laws
• What happens if the government has a majority in the House of Commons?

  It can pass most of its bills into law
• Why does the House of Commons have more power than the House of Lords?

  It can pass legislation without complete blockage
• What can happen if there is a small majority or minority government?

  Executive bills can be stopped from passing
• How has the balance of power shifted in Parliament?

  From executive dominance to parliamentary scrutiny