Examine how the US Congress and Parliament are similar in terms of representation.
Read p. 99 and your notes then include as much knowledge as possible in the time allowed and
then compare and contrast with the other side.
Parliament US Congress
Argument 1: MPs will attempt to benefit Pork Barrel Politics – Mitch
their local constituency by McConnell a senator of
holding surgeries often in Kentucky and majority leader
House and Commons order to hear the views of their up until 2020, won $1 billion
represent roughly equal groups constituents. for his state – members of
of people. congress will attempt to
benefit their local
constituencies and represent
their interests.
Argument 2: Mainly old, white, male and Predominantly old, white, male
privately educated/Oxbridge and privately educated. Nearly
educated. 25% of the state legislatures
Both struggle with diversity are women, yet 51% of the US
Following the 2019 general
issues. population compromise
election, 65% or 10% of the
women.
members of the House of
Commons were from ethnic
minority backgrounds whilst if
it were to be equivalent to the
population, there should be 93
members from ethnic
background.
Argument 3: Donations help politicians to Wealthy donors can quickly
fund their campaigns / gain audiences with MPs they
elections. have backed financially.
Influence of money and
Supreme Court vs FEC 2010 – 2021 – Owen Patterson forced
pressure groups
corporations could spend as to resign as he was paid by a
much as they want on the lobbying firm £100,000 a year
funding to politicians as it is on top of his salary (mainly by
regarded as “freedom of Randox) - benefitted from
speech” (2nd amendment). Covid contracts.
Read p. 99 and your notes then include as much knowledge as possible in the time allowed and
then compare and contrast with the other side.
Parliament US Congress
Argument 1: MPs will attempt to benefit Pork Barrel Politics – Mitch
their local constituency by McConnell a senator of
holding surgeries often in Kentucky and majority leader
House and Commons order to hear the views of their up until 2020, won $1 billion
represent roughly equal groups constituents. for his state – members of
of people. congress will attempt to
benefit their local
constituencies and represent
their interests.
Argument 2: Mainly old, white, male and Predominantly old, white, male
privately educated/Oxbridge and privately educated. Nearly
educated. 25% of the state legislatures
Both struggle with diversity are women, yet 51% of the US
Following the 2019 general
issues. population compromise
election, 65% or 10% of the
women.
members of the House of
Commons were from ethnic
minority backgrounds whilst if
it were to be equivalent to the
population, there should be 93
members from ethnic
background.
Argument 3: Donations help politicians to Wealthy donors can quickly
fund their campaigns / gain audiences with MPs they
elections. have backed financially.
Influence of money and
Supreme Court vs FEC 2010 – 2021 – Owen Patterson forced
pressure groups
corporations could spend as to resign as he was paid by a
much as they want on the lobbying firm £100,000 a year
funding to politicians as it is on top of his salary (mainly by
regarded as “freedom of Randox) - benefitted from
speech” (2nd amendment). Covid contracts.
