1.  starter activity
George Galloway making an infamous appearance on celebrity big brother in a cat suit. Galloway is the ‘Respect’ MP for Bethnal Green & Bow. Do you think he is a good advert for effectiveness of MPs?

2. Do individual MPs make a difference?
 Aims
Examine opportunities for MPs to influence policy
Role of ‘whips’

3.  Your task
Read p. 212 and list the ways MPs can make a difference

4. MPs making a difference
Criticise policy – Question Time, motions for adjournment, ‘catch the speaker’s eye’
Initiate legislation – Private Member’s Bill
Convey their views – media appearances, sound out party colleagues
Mavericks – MPs at end of career or no hopes of promotion
Bob Marshall-Andrews, Lab MPs for Medway. Outspoken critic of govt on issues such as constitutional reform & criminal justice system.

5.  Your task
Using page 212 / 213 , draw up a list of factors which limit MPs ability to scrutinise government.

6. Limitations on MPs Career politicians – Anthony King Poor facilities
Amount & complexity of govt.
Constituency work
Select & standing committees

7.  Your task List the functions of the party ‘whip’
Give reasons why MPs ‘toe the party line’

8. Functions of whips Officials who manage supporters of the party
Maintain party discipline & unity
Chief whip assisted by 8-10 assistant whips
Whips in the Lords
3 line whip – compulsory attendance
2 line whip – pairing system
1 line whip requests attendance

9. Reasons for whips Maintaining unity Carry out party mandate
Divisions provide ammunition for opposition & media
Confuse electorate over party direction
Undermine leadership
Lab PM,
Cons,

10. Reasons for ‘toeing the line’
Don’t want opposition to form govt.
Opportunities for private redress (informal processes) e.g Committee
Carrot & stick approach – promise of promotion

11. Frequency of rebellions
Rebellions over contentious or key issues, e.g. Iraq, fox-hunting, tuition fees, criminal justice
Free votes – moral or ethical issues, e.g. fox-hunting (2003)
Parliament Act (1949) used to enforce ban on hunting

12. What is this cartoonist implying about the nature of backbench MPs?
 Your task
Create a spider diagram highlighting the key contributions backbench MPs can make.
What is this cartoonist implying about the nature of backbench MPs?

13. Contribution of backbenchers
Useful party members – e.g. specialists in key areas of party policy
Good constituency members
Individualists – thorn in the side of party leaders
Other professional interests – e.g. law, journalism, charities

14.  Debate
This house believes that in today’s political climate, MPs are unable to make a difference to government policy.
Choose someone to support & oppose the motion
Someone to second the opening statements
Someone to sum up the debate.
Finally … take a vote!

15.  Homework
Question 2 on p.220. Please remember to answer ALL 3 parts of the question. Aim to write a paragraph for question a, ¾ of a side for question b and two sides for question c
Don’t forget your targets and a bibliography
Try to conduct your own research into the topic.