Politics · Year 12 · UK Government · 2.º Período

Parliament

A detailed look at the structure, role, and functions of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Students will evaluate how effectively Parliament holds the executive to account.

TL;DR:Parliament is the heart of British democracy, responsible for making laws, representing the people, and holding the government to account. This topic examines the structure and functions of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Students compare the powers of the two houses, looking at the primacy of the Commons and the scrutinising role of the Lords. They also evaluate the effectiveness of mechanisms like Select Committees and Prime Minister's Questions.

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• A-Level Politics: UK Government 2.1 - The structure and role of Parliament
• A-Level Politics: UK Government 2.2 - The comparative powers of the Commons and Lords

About This Topic

Parliament is the heart of British democracy, responsible for making laws, representing the people, and holding the government to account. This topic examines the structure and functions of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Students compare the powers of the two houses, looking at the primacy of the Commons and the scrutinising role of the Lords. They also evaluate the effectiveness of mechanisms like Select Committees and Prime Minister's Questions.

A key debate in this unit is whether Parliament is truly representative of the UK population in terms of gender, ethnicity, and social background. Students also consider the impact of recent reforms on parliamentary influence. This topic is best taught through simulations where students can experience the pressure of a committee hearing or the cut-and-thrust of a legislative debate.

Key Questions

1. What are the exclusive powers of the House of Commons?
2. How effective is the House of Lords in scrutinising legislation?
3. Does Parliament adequately represent the UK population?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The House of Lords can block any law it doesn't like.

What to Teach Instead

The Lords can only delay legislation, and the Salisbury Convention prevents them from blocking manifesto commitments. Use a flow-chart activity to show the legislative process and the limits of the Lords' power.

Common Misconception

Prime Minister's Questions is the most effective way to hold the government to account.

What to Teach Instead

PMQs is often more about political theatre than scrutiny. Direct students to research Select Committees, which provide much more detailed and non-partisan oversight, through a collaborative investigation.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game

Select Committee Hearing

Students role-play a Select Committee investigating a current issue (e.g., environmental policy). Some students act as MPs asking tough questions, while others act as government ministers or expert witnesses defending their actions.

60 min·Whole Class

Gallery Walk

Representation in Parliament

Display data on the diversity of the current Parliament compared to the UK population. Students move around the room to identify trends and discuss the barriers that prevent certain groups from becoming MPs.

40 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share

House of Lords Reform

Students brainstorm the pros and cons of an elected versus an appointed House of Lords. They pair up to refine their arguments and then share their preferred model for a reformed second chamber with the class.

30 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a Select Committee?

Select Committees consist of small groups of MPs or Peers who investigate specific government departments or policy areas. They produce reports and can summon ministers and experts to give evidence, providing deep scrutiny of government work.

What is the Salisbury Convention?

This is a convention that the House of Lords will not oppose the second or third reading of any government legislation that was promised in its election manifesto. It ensures the will of the elected House of Commons prevails.

How does active learning improve students' understanding of Parliament?

Active learning, such as mock Select Committees or legislative role plays, allows students to see how power is actually exercised and contested. It moves them beyond a list of functions to an understanding of the political dynamics between the executive and the legislature. This helps them evaluate the effectiveness of Parliament more critically in their essays.

How are members of the House of Lords chosen?

Most are Life Peers appointed by the Monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister. There are also 92 hereditary peers and 26 'Lords Spiritual' (Bishops of the Church of England).