The UK Parliament plays a crucial role in the legislative... Show more
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Representation and Debate in UK Parliament
Both the House of Commons and the House of Lords play crucial roles in representing diverse interests and facilitating debate on important issues.
The House of Commons consists of 650 MPs, each representing a specific constituency. This direct link to local areas allows MPs to raise constituency issues and provide a "redress of grievance" for their constituents.
Example: In 2018, eight Conservative MPs voted against Heathrow expansion, likely representing local concerns about the project.
The House of Lords, while not directly elected, represents a wide range of expertise and policy areas. Lords are appointed based on their knowledge and experience, which can contribute valuable insights to debates and policy-making.
Highlight: The demographics of both houses are subject to scrutiny, with efforts being made to increase diversity. For instance, Liz Truss's Cabinet was noted as being the most diverse in UK history.
Debate is a crucial function of both houses:
- The Commons debates legislation, public bills, and holds emergency debates and urgent questions.
- The Lords debates legislation and raises issues, often bringing specialized knowledge to discussions.
- The Backbench Business Committee in the Commons gets 35 days per session to control business, allowing for debates on topics chosen by backbenchers.
Vocabulary: Parliamentary privilege protects MPs and Lords from legal action for statements made during debates, encouraging free and open discussion.
Both houses have mechanisms to raise important issues:
- E-petitions, introduced in 2015, allow the public to directly influence parliamentary debates.
- Urgent questions in the Commons can draw attention to pressing matters.
- Lords can use their expertise to highlight specific issues, such as Lord Steel raising the issue of Palestine.
However, there are limitations to representation and debate:
- The First Past the Post electoral system can lead to disproportionate representation of political views in the Commons.
- The House of Lords is often criticized for being predominantly composed of older, white men and not fully representing the diversity of the UK population.
- Government control over the parliamentary timetable can limit opportunities for debate, especially for opposition parties.
Quote: "The majority of Cabinet members have been privately educated/went to Oxbridge" - This highlights ongoing concerns about the representativeness of the UK's political leadership.
Legitimation and Legislation in UK Parliament
The UK Parliament's legislative process involves both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, each with distinct roles and powers.
The House of Commons, as the democratically elected chamber, holds primary authority in the legislative process. Bills require the consent of the Commons to become law, and the chamber has the exclusive right to approve the budget and authorize military action.
Highlight: The Commons' power was demonstrated in 2013 when it voted down military action in Syria , and in 2017 when the Gina Miller case established that Parliament's approval was necessary to begin the Brexit process.
The House of Lords, while lacking democratic legitimacy, serves as a revising chamber. It can introduce bills and amendments, and all bills must pass through the Lords to become law. However, its power is limited due to its unelected nature.
Example: The House of Lords Reform Act 2014, which began as a private member's bill, successfully passed and became law.
Both houses participate in the scrutiny of legislation through various means:
- MPs can propose Private Member's Bills, which can raise awareness of important issues.
- Select committees in both houses examine government departments and policies.
- Public Bill Committees in the Commons scrutinize proposed legislation.
- Prime Minister's Questions and ministerial questions provide opportunities for accountability.
Vocabulary: Private Member's Bills are legislative proposals introduced by individual MPs or Lords, rather than by the government.
While these processes can be effective, there are limitations:
- The government's control over the legislative agenda can limit the success of Private Member's Bills.
- Public Bill Committees are often influenced by party whips, reducing their effectiveness.
- The government can sometimes bypass parliamentary scrutiny, as seen in 2018 when Prime Minister May authorized airstrikes on Syria without consulting Parliament.
Quote: "PMQT is often called 'gardener's questions time'" - This highlights criticism of the effectiveness of Prime Minister's Questions.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
How UK Laws Are Made: Parliament Fun with Lords and Commons
The UK Parliament plays a crucial role in the legislative process, with both the House of Commons and House of Lordshaving distinct powers and responsibilities. This summary explores their roles in legislation, scrutiny, representation, debate, and government formation. Key... Show more
Representation and Debate in UK Parliament
Both the House of Commons and the House of Lords play crucial roles in representing diverse interests and facilitating debate on important issues.
The House of Commons consists of 650 MPs, each representing a specific constituency. This direct link to local areas allows MPs to raise constituency issues and provide a "redress of grievance" for their constituents.
Example: In 2018, eight Conservative MPs voted against Heathrow expansion, likely representing local concerns about the project.
The House of Lords, while not directly elected, represents a wide range of expertise and policy areas. Lords are appointed based on their knowledge and experience, which can contribute valuable insights to debates and policy-making.
Highlight: The demographics of both houses are subject to scrutiny, with efforts being made to increase diversity. For instance, Liz Truss's Cabinet was noted as being the most diverse in UK history.
Debate is a crucial function of both houses:
- The Commons debates legislation, public bills, and holds emergency debates and urgent questions.
- The Lords debates legislation and raises issues, often bringing specialized knowledge to discussions.
- The Backbench Business Committee in the Commons gets 35 days per session to control business, allowing for debates on topics chosen by backbenchers.
Vocabulary: Parliamentary privilege protects MPs and Lords from legal action for statements made during debates, encouraging free and open discussion.
Both houses have mechanisms to raise important issues:
- E-petitions, introduced in 2015, allow the public to directly influence parliamentary debates.
- Urgent questions in the Commons can draw attention to pressing matters.
- Lords can use their expertise to highlight specific issues, such as Lord Steel raising the issue of Palestine.
However, there are limitations to representation and debate:
- The First Past the Post electoral system can lead to disproportionate representation of political views in the Commons.
- The House of Lords is often criticized for being predominantly composed of older, white men and not fully representing the diversity of the UK population.
- Government control over the parliamentary timetable can limit opportunities for debate, especially for opposition parties.
Quote: "The majority of Cabinet members have been privately educated/went to Oxbridge" - This highlights ongoing concerns about the representativeness of the UK's political leadership.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Legitimation and Legislation in UK Parliament
The UK Parliament's legislative process involves both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, each with distinct roles and powers.
The House of Commons, as the democratically elected chamber, holds primary authority in the legislative process. Bills require the consent of the Commons to become law, and the chamber has the exclusive right to approve the budget and authorize military action.
Highlight: The Commons' power was demonstrated in 2013 when it voted down military action in Syria , and in 2017 when the Gina Miller case established that Parliament's approval was necessary to begin the Brexit process.
The House of Lords, while lacking democratic legitimacy, serves as a revising chamber. It can introduce bills and amendments, and all bills must pass through the Lords to become law. However, its power is limited due to its unelected nature.
Example: The House of Lords Reform Act 2014, which began as a private member's bill, successfully passed and became law.
Both houses participate in the scrutiny of legislation through various means:
- MPs can propose Private Member's Bills, which can raise awareness of important issues.
- Select committees in both houses examine government departments and policies.
- Public Bill Committees in the Commons scrutinize proposed legislation.
- Prime Minister's Questions and ministerial questions provide opportunities for accountability.
Vocabulary: Private Member's Bills are legislative proposals introduced by individual MPs or Lords, rather than by the government.
While these processes can be effective, there are limitations:
- The government's control over the legislative agenda can limit the success of Private Member's Bills.
- Public Bill Committees are often influenced by party whips, reducing their effectiveness.
- The government can sometimes bypass parliamentary scrutiny, as seen in 2018 when Prime Minister May authorized airstrikes on Syria without consulting Parliament.
Quote: "PMQT is often called 'gardener's questions time'" - This highlights criticism of the effectiveness of Prime Minister's Questions.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user