Just seen this on facebook.....
Showing posts with label backbench MP's. Show all posts
Showing posts with label backbench MP's. Show all posts
Sunday, 6 March 2016
Unit 2: Power of back bench MP's
Click here for article that highlights that Conzservative MP's still have power when it comes to policy. However, one might argue, that Osbourne is trying to keep MP's happy before the EU referendum in June!
Just seen this on facebook.....
Just seen this on facebook.....
Monday, 30 November 2015
Unit 2: Backbench MP's & HM Opposition Activities
A useful pdf file with activities and links to video clips and websites. Excellent when looking for information on the life on an MP and their role.
Monday, 17 June 2013
Unit 2: "Sharks, sycophants, lobby fodder" - an MP in Westminster!
Click here to access an article from the Observer in which Sarah Wollaston, MP for Totnes, a former GP who was selected in an 'open primary' tells of her experience in Westminster. This article brings up all sorts of issues. We identify some of these here in order that you can use them in a class discussion to look at some of the theories, debates, concepts and institutions that the article mentions:
1. Open Primaries
The way that MPs have been selected in this country has often been critiscised for being too secretive and, given the first past the post system in which there are so many 'safe' seats, the local parties have been labelled the 'selectorate' Wollaston was selected under a new procedure explained in the article and, it explains, that David Cameron said he would "bust open the old closed methods of selection". These plans have now been shelved.
Look at how the major parties select candidates.
Questions for discussion: Would this system that has been abandoned have been more democratic? What would have been the benefits? Is the expense the only reason that it may have been shelved? How should parliamentary candidates be selected?
2. The role of an MP
This article suggests that in Westminster, MPs who challenge the leadership are not embraced and that their expertise is not sought out. Rather, those who are loyal to the party are rewarded. Wollaston says that she is "never on a delegated legislation on something which I could contribute to" and that often "You are encouraged.....not to worry about what you are voting for because the whips are there to guide you"
Consider the role of an MP.
What are their functions?
Questions for discussion: What is the role of an MP in a representative democracy? Should they be fiercely loyal to the party who elected them? Independent MPs are a rare beast – MPs are elected because of their party. But, what about their consituents? Surely, that is who they represent? What about their own principles, judgement and experience? Should they be applying that to the issues?
3. The role and function of Parliament
Consider some of the roles of Parliament.
Questions for discussion: Considering the functions of Parliament: to pass laws, to scrutinse legislation, to represent the people, to act as a 'watchdog' to government etc - what does this article tell us about the effectiveness of Parliament. How well does it carry out each of those functions? For example, how effectively can Parliament act as a watchdog if the MPs are all fiercely loyal to their parties? How effective are committees if, instead of being made up of those with relevant expertise, they are made up of the most loyal MPs?
4. Democracy and Representation
Questions for discussion: what are the implications for representation if Westminster is made up of a 'political class' who are professional politicians? Is it desirable to have "real people" in Westminster. What does Wollaston's experience tell us about representation in Westminster?
1. Open Primaries
The way that MPs have been selected in this country has often been critiscised for being too secretive and, given the first past the post system in which there are so many 'safe' seats, the local parties have been labelled the 'selectorate' Wollaston was selected under a new procedure explained in the article and, it explains, that David Cameron said he would "bust open the old closed methods of selection". These plans have now been shelved.
Look at how the major parties select candidates.
Questions for discussion: Would this system that has been abandoned have been more democratic? What would have been the benefits? Is the expense the only reason that it may have been shelved? How should parliamentary candidates be selected?
2. The role of an MP
This article suggests that in Westminster, MPs who challenge the leadership are not embraced and that their expertise is not sought out. Rather, those who are loyal to the party are rewarded. Wollaston says that she is "never on a delegated legislation on something which I could contribute to" and that often "You are encouraged.....not to worry about what you are voting for because the whips are there to guide you"
Consider the role of an MP.
What are their functions?
Questions for discussion: What is the role of an MP in a representative democracy? Should they be fiercely loyal to the party who elected them? Independent MPs are a rare beast – MPs are elected because of their party. But, what about their consituents? Surely, that is who they represent? What about their own principles, judgement and experience? Should they be applying that to the issues?
3. The role and function of Parliament
Consider some of the roles of Parliament.
Questions for discussion: Considering the functions of Parliament: to pass laws, to scrutinse legislation, to represent the people, to act as a 'watchdog' to government etc - what does this article tell us about the effectiveness of Parliament. How well does it carry out each of those functions? For example, how effectively can Parliament act as a watchdog if the MPs are all fiercely loyal to their parties? How effective are committees if, instead of being made up of those with relevant expertise, they are made up of the most loyal MPs?
4. Democracy and Representation
Questions for discussion: what are the implications for representation if Westminster is made up of a 'political class' who are professional politicians? Is it desirable to have "real people" in Westminster. What does Wollaston's experience tell us about representation in Westminster?
Monday, 20 May 2013
Unit 2: Last minute exam help
Click here to access an article on the recent arguments in the Conservative party over the EU. Essential application for questions on Backbench power, Prime Ministerial power, effectivenemss of Parliament etc.
Another article here on argument over same sex marriage. Again, useful for power, or lack of, that Cameron has over his party and the fact that backbenches and grass roots Tories (Essentially party members) actually can have.
One more article on the actual EU issue. Again essential reading for any questions on the above, but also on Constitutional reform.
Coalition proposals
It is very likely that you will have to consider the impact of the Coalition on government, executive and constitutional reform. Below is a list of areas that the coalition have wanted to address. You should be able to discuss if they have managed any of this so far...
Another article here on argument over same sex marriage. Again, useful for power, or lack of, that Cameron has over his party and the fact that backbenches and grass roots Tories (Essentially party members) actually can have.
One more article on the actual EU issue. Again essential reading for any questions on the above, but also on Constitutional reform.
Coalition proposals
It is very likely that you will have to consider the impact of the Coalition on government, executive and constitutional reform. Below is a list of areas that the coalition have wanted to address. You should be able to discuss if they have managed any of this so far...
The introduction of fixed term parliaments and the introduction of an enhanced majority requirement for a successful vote of no confidence. Some dispute over methods of ending a parliament early.
The possible introduction of AV. Hugely controversial between parties and within the Conservatives. Controversy settled by the referendum.
The completion of House of Lords reform, introducing a partially elected chamber.
Agreement ‘officially’ between the main parties, but great controversy with the Conservative Party and between Lords and Commons.
The equalisation of parliamentary constituency sizes. Some Labour accusations of gerrymandering.
Reduction in the size of the Commons.
Power of recall of MPs by constituencies.
The possible introduction of elected mayors and police commissioners for large cities.
Various proposals concerning devolution
The introduction of the backbench business committee
Any other valid constitutional proposals (such as a British Bill of Rights) can be credited.
Thursday, 16 May 2013
Unit 2: Back Benches get some back bone!
Click here to access todays article on the BBC website regrading the latest issues with the EU split in the Conservative party.
It is an excellent example of issues of power within government. If you are in school today, please come and talk to me about it.
It is an excellent example of issues of power within government. If you are in school today, please come and talk to me about it.
Wednesday, 24 April 2013
Unit 2: How effective are Backbench MP's? (40 Marks) - Mark scheme and Examiners report
The document below contains the usual question, mark scheme and full model answer. An excellent way to revise a fairly simple topic. You should look at an MP in the commons who has been efective in some way, to help with application marks in your exam.
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