How Representatives Help their Constituents…

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

2. 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…

3. 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.

4. HOW MPs and MSPs Represent us…

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

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

7. 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…

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

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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!!!!

15. 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.