Parliament Interacting with Exc.

• What is the role of backbenchers in Parliament?

  They can introduce Private Members’ Bills.
• How do backbenchers raise issues in Parliament?

  Through Ten Minute Rule Bills and questions.
• What is a limitation of backbenchers in scrutinizing government bills?

  Government whips limit their independence.
• What is the purpose of Question Time in Parliament?

  To hold government ministers accountable.
• What is a significant role of select committees?

  They scrutinise government policy and actions.
• How can select committees be restricted in their role?

  The government dominates committees with a majority.
• When does Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) take place?

  Every Wednesday from 12-12:30 pm.
• What is a criticism of Question Time?

  Questions are often not properly answered.
• What are the three parts of Parliament?

  Commons, Lords, and Monarch.
• Who persuades MPs to vote in particular ways?

  Whips
• How many MPs are in the House of Commons?

  650
• What type of committee scrutinises government policy?

  Select Committee
• What is the final stage of a bill becoming law?

  Royal Assent
• What is the Salisbury convention?

  Lords will not block government manifesto pledges.
• What are the majority of bills known as?

  Public Bills
• Who organises and chairs debates in the Commons?

  Speaker
• Why is the opposition significant in Parliament?

  They can choose subjects for debate.
• What is a limitation of the opposition in Parliament?

  They usually lack resources compared to government.
• What happens during opposition days?

  Opposition parties choose subjects for debate.
• What is the role of the official Opposition?

  To scrutinise government policy and actions.
• How does the opposition's position affect its significance?

  They often lack resources and are divided.
• What are the key roles of backbenchers in Parliament?

  • Introduce Private Members’ Bills
  • Voice opinions through Ten Minute Rule Bills
  • Scrutinise government bills in committees
  • Pose questions during Question Time
  • Raise constituents' concerns
  • Use parliamentary privilege for duties
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of select committees?

  Strengths:

  • Scrutinise government policy
  • Conduct inquiries and write reports
  • Call witnesses, including ministers

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Government majority can dominate
  • Whips control appointments
  • Cannot change government policy
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of Question Time?

  Strengths:

  • Holds ministers accountable
  • Allows supplementary questions

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Often lacks meaningful answers
  • Described as 'Punch and Judy' politics
  • Damages Parliament's reputation
• What are the roles and limitations of the opposition in Parliament?

  Roles:

  • Scrutinise government actions
  • Choose subjects for debate

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Cannot initiate legislation
  • Usually lacks resources
  • Often divided after elections