How Representatives Help their Constituents… Can you think how your MP or MSP represents you?

How Representatives Help their Constituents… Can you think how your MP or MSP represents you? Over the next few slides we will go through different ways you are represented…

How Representatives Help their Constituents… Can you think how your MP or MSP represents you? Over the next few slides we will go through different ways you are represented… Create a mind-map which you can add to as we work through slides.

HOW MPs and MSPs Represent us…

How MPs and MSPs Represent us Can split into two sections 1.In constituency 2.In House of Commons or Scottish Parliament

1. In a Constituency… Constituents can contact MP or MSP and raise issues by phone, letter, or: SURGERY – this is where you can meet your representative and raise issues These are held regularly in places like schools, libraries etc… surgery-details-

What can MPs and MSPs then do… Can contact Government Department, Agency or Local Council to enquire about a problem. Can contact local media – gain publicity. Can raise matter in Parliament…

2. In House of Commons/Scottish Parliament… Question Time – Debates - Voting -

2. In House of Commons/Scottish Parliament… Question Time – Ask a question to be answered by government leaders Debates – Have a discussion about a matter in Parliament Voting – MPs and MSPs can vote for or against an issue to the benefit of their constituents.

2. In House of Commons/Scottish Parliament… Question Time E.g. In House of Commons, can ask David Cameron a question at Prime Minister’s Question Time Or in Scottish Parliament can ask Alex Salmond a question at First Minister’s Question Time Why ask questions? Puts pressure on government to do something Gets a problem solved Gains publicity for issue – media involvement

2. In House of Commons/Scottish Parliament… Debates Why debate? Because the government does not like to hear about bad problems and to avoid bad publicity they’ll try to fix things quickly E.g. in Scottish Parliament, debates about sectarianism led to tougher laws being passed regarding this

2. In House of Commons/Scottish Parliament… Voting Why vote on bills? If an MP or MSP doesn’t think a new law will benefit their constituents they can vote against it. Or if they think it would benefit their area then they might vote for it. For example, in October 2012, MPs voted “NO” to a badger cull

Task… Think of specific examples for the ways that MPs and MSPs help constituents E.g. Surgery – might meet local MSP to raise concerns about the state of the roads in your constituency Think of a relevant example for each and add to mind-map

Homework Find more current examples of how MPs and MSPs represent their constituents and add to your notes You will remember these better if you find them yourselves!!!!

KU Question How can MPs and MSPs represent their constituents? 8 marks Use Point Explain Example Something that MPs do, explain then give an example.