Definitions 03/12/2025

Term	Definition
Accountability	Government and MPs must explain and justify their actions and can be held responsible by Parliament and the public.
Adversarial	A confrontational style of politics with two opposing sides (government vs opposition).
Backbenchers	MPs or peers without ministerial or shadow-ministerial roles.
Bicameral	A parliament with two chambers (Commons and Lords).
Debate	A formal discussion where MPs or peers argue for or against issues or legislation.
Delegate theory	Representatives should follow their constituents’ instructions rather than use personal judgement.
Elective Dictatorship	The idea that a majority government can dominate Parliament, limiting checks and balances.
Executive Dominance	When the government controls parliamentary processes due to majority and party discipline.
Government	The party (or coalition) with majority support in the Commons that runs the country.
HM Opposition	The largest non-government party responsible for scrutinising and challenging the government.
Legislation	Laws passed by Parliament.
Mandate	Authority granted by voters in an election to carry out manifesto promises.
Mandate theory	The principle that an elected government is justified in implementing its manifesto.
Parliament Act 1949	Reduced the Lords’ power to delay most bills to one year.
Parliamentary Government	A system where the executive comes from Parliament and is accountable to it.
Parliamentary privilege	Protections allowing MPs/peers to speak freely in Parliament without legal consequences.
Parliamentary Sovereignty	Parliament is the supreme law-making body and can make or unmake any law.
Payroll vote	MPs holding government posts who are expected to vote with the government.
Peers	Members of the House of Lords (life peers, bishops, hereditary peers).
Private Members’ Bill	A bill introduced by a non-minister; few become law.
Public Bill Committees	Committees that examine proposed laws in detail line by line.
Question Time	Sessions where ministers answer MPs’ questions, increasing accountability.
Scrutiny	Parliament’s examination and checking of government actions and policies.
Select Committee	Cross-party committees that investigate government departments and produce reports.
Trustee theory	Representatives should use their own judgement rather than strictly follow constituents’ wishes.
Whips	Party officials who enforce discipline and ensure MPs vote along party lines.