Does Parliament Matter?

1992 general election achieve actions activities amendments approval assent backbenchers behaviour bers body Cabinet capacity cent century chamber Chapter citizens Conservative consider constituents debate demands departmental select committees early day motions effect electoral enquiry ensure European Communities European Parliament evidence example extensive floor formal functions government bills greater House of Commons House of Lords impact important increased influence initiating institution issues Labour MPs legislation legislatures legitimacy limited lobbying majority Margaret Thatcher Marsh measures Members of Parliament ment ministerial mobilize motions MPs and peers Norton organized interests Packenham Palace of Westminster Parlia Parliament matters parliamentary particular party political system popular potential pressure groups Prime Minister private members problems Procedure Committee public policy Queen-in-Parliament questions reform result role scrutiny second reading seen Select Committee session significant Single European Act stage standing committee Table television tion unorganized vote