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📜intro to political science review

MPs

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

MPs, or Members of Parliament, are elected representatives who serve in the legislative branch of a parliamentary system of government. They are responsible for debating and passing laws, overseeing the executive branch, and representing the interests of their constituents.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. MPs are elected through a system of proportional representation, where the number of seats a party holds in the legislature is roughly proportional to the percentage of votes it received in the election.
  2. MPs have the power to introduce and vote on bills, as well as to hold the executive branch accountable through mechanisms like question period and no-confidence votes.
  3. The party with the most seats in the legislature typically forms the government, and its leader becomes the Prime Minister, who then selects a cabinet from among the MPs.
  4. MPs are expected to represent the interests of their constituents, and may sometimes vote against their party's position if they believe it is in the best interest of their local area.
  5. The role of MPs in a parliamentary system is often seen as more influential than that of members of Congress in a presidential system, as they have a more direct role in shaping legislation and overseeing the executive branch.

Review Questions

  • Explain the role of MPs in the legislative process of a parliamentary system.
    • MPs play a central role in the legislative process of a parliamentary system. They are responsible for debating and voting on bills, as well as introducing new legislation. MPs from the party or coalition with the most seats in the legislature typically form the government, with their leader becoming the Prime Minister. As elected representatives, MPs are expected to advocate for the interests of their constituents and hold the executive branch accountable through mechanisms like question period and no-confidence votes.
  • Describe how the system of proportional representation affects the composition and power dynamics of the legislature in a parliamentary system.
    • In a parliamentary system with proportional representation, the number of seats a party holds in the legislature is roughly proportional to the percentage of votes it received in the election. This means that smaller parties are more likely to gain representation, leading to a more fragmented legislature with a greater diversity of views. The party or coalition with the most seats typically forms the government, but they may need to work with other parties to pass legislation, as no single party may have a clear majority. This can result in more compromise and negotiation in the legislative process, as MPs from different parties seek to advance their agendas.
  • Analyze the relationship between MPs and their constituents in a parliamentary system, and how this affects the MPs' decision-making process.
    • MPs in a parliamentary system are expected to represent the interests of their local constituents, in addition to supporting their party's platform. This can sometimes create tensions, as MPs may need to balance the demands of their constituents with the priorities of their party. MPs may occasionally vote against their party's position if they believe it is in the best interest of their local area. This constituency-based representation is seen as a key strength of the parliamentary system, as it helps to ensure that the diverse needs and concerns of the population are reflected in the legislative process. However, it can also lead to challenges in achieving consensus and passing legislation, as MPs must navigate the competing interests of their party, their constituents, and the broader national agenda.