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UK Government - Coggle Diagram

- - - - Pros/Cons
        
        they scrutinise gov't policy- carry out inquiries, write reports, carry out questions and ask to see gov't papers
        
        Have significant role;
        
        Pros/Cons
        
        Don't have significant role;
        
        the gov't has a majority on committees so can dominate them
        
        Whips control individual appointments to the committees- meaning loyal MPs can be placed on them
        
        Select Committees can criticise gov't policy but can't change it
  - - - Have significant role;
      - can introduce Private Members' Bills which may become laws
      - can carried out detailed scrutiny of gov't bills and policy- through working on public bill or select committees
      - can give questions to gov't ministers during Question Time
      - can examine gov't actions through debates in HOC
      - can raise concerns of their constituents and bring them to gov't attention
      - can use parliamentary privilege
    - - Don't have significant role;
      - Private Member's Bills rarely become law, so most of backbencher's time is spent considering gov't bills
      - Scrutiny- gov't whips limit role of their backbenchers, limiting independence
      - When debating they have limited time to discuss an issue in detail
      - Question Time is often weak and ineffective
  - - - Can be argued to be ineffective;
      - Questions are often not properly answered by PM/Ministers
      - the boorish nature of PMQs damage reputation of Parliament and politicians in eyes of the public
      - The PM and opposition leader try to embarrass each other and score cheap political points- rather than meaningful scrutiny
  - - - Don't have significant role;
      - have no real ability to initiate legislation
      - Gov't usually has overall majority- gives them dominance
      - have a lack of resources relative to gov't
      - opposition party is often in a position of weakness and may be divided, as they will have lost the election