Representative function

Question 1

Is Parliament democratically representative?

Answer 1

+ Each MP in HoC represents area of UK

• FPTP distorts representation of parties, MPs often elected by less than 1/2 of constituents
• Lords is unelected and unrepresentative

Question 2

Does Parliament “look like” the UK?

Answer 2

Around 65% of MPs are male - women make up 51% of general population
10% MPs come from minority ethnic backgrounds - aronud 14% of population are BAME
Around 9% of MPs are queer - Around 95% of population is straight
Parties are making progress - Cameron’s A-List

Question 3

What are the ways an MP can be a represntative?

Answer 3

1. Burkean idea of representation - MPs deciding what they think is best for constituents and constituents trusting them to do so
2. Delegate model - MPs are essentially “mouthpiece” of their constituents
3. The doctrine of the mandate - MPs represent their party, which was elected with a mandate to carry out their manifesto