Exam 12: Introduction to the House of Commons

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Outline the conduct in the Commons for which an MP can be disciplined.

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Members of Parliament (MPs) in the House of Commons are expected to adhere to a set of rules and standards that govern their conduct. When MPs fail to meet these standards, they can be disciplined in a number of ways. The conduct for which an MP can be disciplined includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. **Breach of Parliamentary Privilege**: This includes actions that obstruct or impede the House of Commons in the performance of its functions, or actions that obstruct or impede any Member or officer of the House in the discharge of their duties.

2. **Contempt of Parliament**: Any act or omission which is judged by the House to obstruct or impede it in the performance of its functions, or which is judged to be an offence against the authority or dignity of the House, such as giving false evidence to a parliamentary committee.

3. **Misconduct in the Chamber**: This includes the use of unparliamentary language (language that is rude or offensive), persistent interruption or heckling, and physical misconduct.

4. **Failure to Comply with the Code of Conduct**: MPs must adhere to the Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament, which includes the declaration of interests, the use of parliamentary resources, and rules on lobbying and advocacy.

5. **Breach of the Rules on Financial Interests**: MPs must declare their financial interests and any gifts or benefits they receive. Failure to do so, or engaging in paid advocacy, can result in disciplinary action.

6. **Non-attendance**: Persistent non-attendance without a reasonable excuse can be considered a breach of duty as an MP.

7. **Misuse of Parliamentary Resources**: This includes using parliamentary resources for non-parliamentary or personal purposes.

8. **Bullying, Harassment, or Sexual Misconduct**: The Behaviour Code for Parliament sets out the expected behavior of everyone working in Parliament and includes provisions against bullying, harassment, and sexual misconduct.

Disciplinary measures can range from a simple reprimand by the Speaker of the House of Commons to suspension from the service of the House. In extreme cases, an MP may be expelled from the House, although this is very rare. The Standards and Privileges Committee plays a key role in investigating allegations of misconduct and recommending appropriate sanctions. The full House of Commons must agree on any disciplinary action following a report from the committee.

In which month does the parliamentary year begin?

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D

After the Queen's Speech, how many days are spent in Debate on the Address?

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C

How many women have held the office of Speaker?

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Explain the circumstances in which Parliament can be dissolved.

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What are the chief functions of the UK Parliament?

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Which of the following is NOT an arm of the UK Parliament?

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Explain how the Whip system works.

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Which of the following are powers of the Speaker?

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The Speaker has the power to discipline MPs due to use of tedious repetition.

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On what percentage of sitting days in the Commons does Government business take priority?

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Since which year has Westminster Hall been used for backbench debates and debates on select committee reports?

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Which of the following are occasions when adjournments can take place?

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In which year did television broadcasts of the proceedings of the Commons commence?

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If Parliament does not meet in a year, money cannot be raised for the public budget.

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Unless there is an exceptional event, such as a vote of no confidence, the current Parliament will run until May 2015.

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After a general election what is the first task undertaken by a Parliament?

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To what extent do you believe that Parliament is successful in its role of holding the Government to account?

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Once a Member of Parliament is elected he or she cannot relinquish the seat.

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