Higher Politics- Legislative Branch Scrutiny

What is the primary role of Parliament in the UK?

• To govern the country directly

• To scrutinize and check the actions of the government

• To pass laws without government input

• To represent the judiciary in government decisions

Who is responsible for scrutinizing the work of government departments as part of the opposition?

• Prime Minister

• Shadow Cabinet

• Backbench MPs

• Speaker of the House

Which mechanism allows MPs to directly ask the Prime Minister unscripted questions in a public forum?

• Select Committees

• Vote of No Confidence

• Prime Ministers Questions (PMQs)

• House of Lords

What is a significant limitation of PMQs as a scrutiny tool?

• The Prime Minister is not required to attend

• Questions are often used for political point-scoring

• It happens only once a month

• MPs are not allowed to follow up

Which legislative body is known for its line-by-line scrutiny of legislation?

• House of Commons

• Public Bill Committees

• House of Lords

• European Parliament

What type of question in Parliament demands a minister’s response on short notice regarding an urgent issue?

• Adjournment questions

• Select Committee inquiries

• Urgent questions

• Debate questions

How many departmental select committees currently exist in the UK Parliament?

• 10

• 15

• 19

• 25

What power does a departmental select committee have?

• To veto government policies

• To summon witnesses and request documents

• To implement legislation

• To approve judicial appointments

What is the primary role of the House of Lords?

• To initiate government policies

• To scrutinize legislation and act as a check on the Commons

• To debate local issues only

• To pass laws without amendment

What term describes cross-party agreement in the UK Parliament?

• Government consensus

• Non-partisan cooperation

• Cross-party consensus

• Legislative harmony