Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

In which month does the parliamentary year begin?

Accepted Answer

A)  January 
B)  May 
C)  September 
D)  November D

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

A)  3 
B)  4 
C)  4-5 
D)  6 C

Question 4

How many women have held the office of Speaker?

Accepted Answer

A)  0 
B)  1 
C)  2 
D)  3

Question 5

Explain the circumstances in which Parliament can be dissolved.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the circumstances in which Parliament can...

Question 6

What are the chief functions of the UK Parliament?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the chief functions of the...

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

A)  The Monarch 
B)  The House of Lords 
C)  The House of Commons 
D)  The Privy Council

Question 8

Explain how the Whip system works.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain how the Whip system works....

Question 9

Which of the following are powers of the Speaker?

Accepted Answer

A)  Determining whether to allow urgent questions 
B)  Appointing the Leader of the House 
C)  Ruling on procedure 
D)  Granting a request for an emergency debate

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

A)  0.55 
B)  0.75 
C)  0.85 
D)  0.95

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

A)  1689 
B)  1899 
C)  1910 
D)  1999

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

A)  Before holidays 
B)  Following the consideration of Consolidated Fund Bills 
C)  Following the Queen's Speech 
D)  Following Prime Minister's Question Time

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

A)  1989 
B)  1992 
C)  1995 
D)  1997

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

A)  Setting of the Budget 
B)  Electing The Speaker 
C)  Debating the Queen's Speech 
D)  Appointing a Prime Minister

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of To what extent do you believe that...

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Exam 12: Introduction to the House of Commons

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

In which month does the parliamentary year begin?

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

How many women have held the office of Speaker?

Explain the circumstances in which Parliament can be dissolved.

What are the chief functions of the UK Parliament?

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

Explain how the Whip system works.

Which of the following are powers of the Speaker?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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