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Functions of Different Political Institutions

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An in depth list of the functions of different political institutions discussed in Pearson Edexcel A-Level Government & Politics. 2 pages, 1000 words Helped me get an A* in A-Level Government & Politics!

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  • August 22, 2024
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Name Functions
House of Commons  Passing legislation – has exclusive power to give consent to taxation; reacts to measures
put before it by the executive and is rarely able to defeat or significantly amend
legislation; party whips ensure that MPs attend votes (sometimes with incentive of
ministerial posts in reward of loyalty and sanctions for the opposite).
 Scrutiny of the executive – responsibility to exercise oversight of executive’s actions and
hold government to account and expose its errors; questions to ministers (calling for
oral/written answers); PMQs (although this is criticised for unnecessary theatrics and
seemingly point-scoring nature); Select Committees shadowing individual government
departments; debates, including ability of MPs to choose the topic for debate on one day
per week.
 Providing ministers – acts as a recruiting ground for future ministers, with whips making
suitable recommendations to the PM on suitable candidates for promotion
 Representing the electorate – representative function as the elected house; MPs use their
judgement on how to vote, rather than taking instructions from those who elected them
in; strong link between MPs and their constituency so they are expected to stand up for
local interests at Westminster; voters can vote out their MP at the next election if they
feel they have not been adequately represented by them.
House of Lords  Passing legislation – has right to amend non-financial legislation but cannot interfere with
the passage of ‘money’ bills; reacts to measures put before it by the executive and is
rarely able to defeat or significantly amend legislation; small teams of whips operate
within the Lords.
 Scrutiny of the executive - responsibility to exercise oversight of executive’s actions and
hold government to account and expose its errors; most government departments are
represented in Lords by junior minister who oversees passage of business in Upper House;
high quality debates usually involving individuals with high levels of expertise, but often
uninfluential.
 Providing ministers - acts as a recruiting ground for future ministers, with whips making
suitable recommendations to the PM on suitable candidates for promotion.
The Opposition  Criticise the government and oppose many of its legislative proposals, often through
media, where it will receive the largest audience.
 Holding government to account.
 Has 20 days per year (17 for ‘official’ opposition) to propose subjects for debate – only of
symbolic importance as government will usually table an amendment to opposition
motion, cancelling it out.
 Taking leading role in responding to the government programme set out in the Queen’s
speech and the chancellor of the exchequer’s budget speech.
 Present itself as an alternative government
Backbenchers  Scrutinising government activity
 Backbench Business Committee allowed to choose topic for debate on 35 days per year
(some of which are chosen by e-petitions signed by members of the public) and responds
to proposals that command cross-party support, incentivising MPs to work together in
requesting a debate
 The potential for backbench revolt can prevent bills from proceeding as the government
may choose to avoid a HoC defeat
 Holding executive to account
 Limited in the fact that they may be able to air their concerns but this may have no
influence on proceedings
 Can propose amendments to legislation but government majority will often prevail and
lead to this being ignored
 Often restrained by party whip

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