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!
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
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller zoehunter. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $3.88. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
