Study online at https://quizlet.com/_f2hdo2
1. What is Parlia- This is the term used to refer to both the House of Commons and the House of
ment? Lords. It is also known as the legislature branch of government, as law-making is
a crucial function.
2. What is Bicamer- This term describes a government structure where there are two chambers in the
alism? legislature.
3. What are some of - Currently 650 MPs eligible to sit in the Commons
the main features - Is organised into government and opposition benches
of the House of - Both sides have front-bench and back-bench MPs
Commons? - Ministers are both MPs and members of government (have a dual role - this is
one way we see the fusion of the executive and legislature)
- The Speaker (currently Sir Lindsey Hoyle) controls Commons business in partner-
ship with party whips. Together they ensure observance of parliamentary rules
- Select Committees examine aspects of public policy and report to the House.
4. What is a parlia- This is a system in which the government governs in and through Parliament. There
mentary govern- is a fusion of/overlap between the executive and legislature.
ment?
(and why would The former is in theory subordinate to the latter because:
the executive be - the government arises as a result of parliamentary elections
subordinate to - the personnel of government are drawn from Parliament
the legislature?) - the government is accountable to Parliament through Question Time, debates,
votes, committees, and financial security
- the government is in theory removable by Parliament.
5. What is a Stand- A committee responsible for the detailed consideration of a bill. Each clause is
ing Committee / scrutinised and amendments can be made.
Public Bill Com-
mittee?
6. What is a Select A committee responsible for scrutinising the work of government, usually of a cer-
Committee? tain government department. They support Parliament in scrutinising legislation