Lesson 3.1.1.2.2

3.1.1.2.2 Parliament: representation and the influence of MPs and peers Quiz: AQA Politics, Unit 1

20 questions

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Lesson 3.1.1.2.2, Parliament: representation and the influence of MPs and peers: 20 multiple choice questions for the AQA Politics (7152), Unit 1: Government and politics of the UK, written with Revision Ninja.

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The 20 questions

  1. Which theory of representation argues that an MP should act on their own judgement in the interests of the nation?

    • Delegate theory
    • Mandate theory
    • Burkean trustee theory
    • Direct democracy theory

  2. Which theory holds that an MP should follow the explicit wishes of their constituents?

    • Delegate theory
    • Pluralist theory
    • Elitist theory
    • Burkean trustee theory

  3. What does mandate theory suggest about an MP's role?

    • The MP should represent only the interests of their own family and friends
    • The MP should always vote according to the views of local pressure groups
    • The MP should decide every policy matter without reference to party or voters
    • The MP should carry out the manifesto commitments on which the party was elected

  4. What is parliamentary privilege?

    • The automatic right of MPs to hold a seat in the cabinet
    • Legal protections for MPs and peers in Parliament
    • The right of peers to vote in general elections for the Commons
    • Exemption from paying income tax for all members of both Houses

  5. Which statement about peers in the House of Lords is accurate?

    • Peers are chosen by a national vote of the hereditary aristocracy in each county
    • Peers are elected by the public in regional elections held every four years
    • Peers are not elected to the Lords
    • Peers are elected by the Commons from among its own members each parliamentary session

  6. Which factor shapes an MP's ability to represent constituents effectively?

    • The MP's ability to set the rules of the House as Speaker
    • Casework, local campaigns and the links the MP maintains with the constituency
    • The number of years the MP has served in the House of Lords
    • The MP's personal income, which determines how many constituents will vote for them

  7. How does the party system affect the representative role of MPs?

    • MPs have no connection to political parties because all members are independent
    • MPs are chosen by party leaders in every constituency without any local involvement
    • MPs are required to vote on every issue exactly as their constituents demand
    • MPs often act as party members first, which can limit independent representation of constituents

  8. Which argument best supports the view that peers can make a valuable contribution to scrutiny?

    • Peers are elected by the public and therefore have the greatest democratic legitimacy
    • Peers include many experts whose specialist knowledge improves the quality of revision of bills
    • Peers control the timing of general elections and so can decide when Parliament dissolves
    • Peers can block any bill from the Commons indefinitely without any restriction

  9. A critic argues that the Lords lacks democratic legitimacy. Which point best supports this criticism?

    • Most members are elected in proportional elections held every five years in each region
    • Members are elected by the Commons from among its own members each year
    • Most members are not elected and are appointed, so they do not have a direct public mandate
    • Members are chosen by a national ballot of the electorate in every constituency

  10. Which situation best illustrates the trustee role of an MP?

    • An MP votes only in line with the instructions of the party whip at all times
    • An MP votes against constituents' wishes on a complex issue because they judge it harmful to the nation
    • An MP follows an opinion poll of constituents on every vote without exception
    • An MP abstains from every debate to avoid offending either side of the argument

  11. Which statement about the relative roles of MPs and peers is most accurate?

    • MPs and peers have identical powers, and differences between them are only ceremonial
    • Peers have the decisive power over government spending, while MPs only advise the cabinet
    • Peers can dissolve Parliament and call general elections, while MPs cannot do so
    • MPs have a direct electoral mandate and control the Commons, while peers scrutinise

  12. What is the significance of Burkean theories of representation for modern MPs?

    • They mean MPs must follow the instructions of a national referendum on every issue
    • They help explain why MPs may use judgement independent of constituents, while balancing it with local accountability
    • They require MPs to vote only in the interests of their own political party at all times
    • They establish that MPs are legally bound to implement any policy that the public demands

  13. Which evaluation best explains the tension between delegate and mandate theories?

    • Delegates are required by law to vote, while mandates are optional for members of both Houses
    • Delegates act on instructions from the monarch, while mandates follow the advice of judges
    • Delegates respond to constituents' wishes on each issue, while a mandate binds MPs to commitments made in the election programme
    • Delegates are elected by the Lords, while mandates are given by the Commons after a referendum

  14. Which argument best supports the influence of MPs on government decisions?

    • Backbench MPs have no role in policy because all decisions are made by the Speaker
    • Backbench MPs can only influence policy through the House of Lords, which must approve their amendments
    • Backbench MPs are legally required to follow the decisions of the Supreme Court in all matters
    • Backbench MPs can shape policy through select committees, debate and rebellion on key votes

  15. Which statement about the Commons and Lords relationship is most accurate?

    • The Lords and Commons pass bills at the same time, so neither can ever override the other
    • The Lords can delay bills but the Parliament Acts allow the Commons to force through legislation in the end
    • The Lords always has the final say on all bills and the Commons cannot override its decisions
    • The Commons can only introduce bills that the Lords has already approved in advance

  16. Which theory of representation argues that an MP should follow the mandate of the party's manifesto?

    • Elitist theory
    • Pluralist theory
    • Trustee theory
    • Mandate theory

  17. What is meant by a 'life peer'?

    • A member of the Lords who inherits the seat from a parent and holds it until death
    • A member of the Commons who is elected for a lifetime term by the public
    • A member of the Lords appointed for life, not inherited and not elected
    • A member of the cabinet who is appointed by the monarch to serve until retirement

  18. Which description best matches the role of a constituency MP's casework?

    • Helping individual constituents with problems, such as benefits, housing
    • Drafting the national budget and approving it on behalf of the constituency
    • Setting the electoral rules that apply to general elections across the UK
    • Appointing judges to local courts within the constituency boundaries

  19. Which argument best supports the view that the Lords can improve legislation?

    • Its members include experts
    • Its members are elected by the public, which gives every bill a clear democratic mandate
    • Its members control the government budget, which they set each year before the Commons
    • Its members can permanently veto any bill passed by the Commons with a simple majority

  20. Which statement about parliamentary privilege is most accurate?

    • It protects MPs from paying any income tax on their parliamentary salary
    • It protects what is said
    • It protects MPs from any criticism by the media in every circumstance
    • It protects peers from being removed from the Lords by a vote of the Commons

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