A LevelPoliticsEdexcelRevision Notes2. UK Government & Non-Core Political Ideas2.2 ParliamentParliament & Representation

Parliament & Representation (Edexcel A Level Politics): Revision Note

Exam code: 9PL0

Sarra Jenkins

Written by: Sarra Jenkins

Reviewed by: Lisa Eades

Updated on

What is representation?

  • 'Representation' refers to the role of Parliament, particularly the House of Commons, in acting on behalf of the citizens who elect it

  • The UK operates a representative democracy

    • Citizens elect MPs to represent their interests, views and concerns in Parliament rather than participating directly in decision-making

How parliament represents the people

  • MPs are directly elected to represent geographical constituencies

  • MPs can raise constituency issues through:

    • parliamentary debates

    • questions to ministers

    • select committee work

  • Representation operates at:

    • constituency level

    • national level

    • territorial level (e.g. Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

Case Study

Constituency representation - Tim Farron and Lake Windermere

Politician answers questions in a press conference, wearing a microphone and with a backdrop of curtains and closed window
Tim Farron MP raised the issue of pollution around Lake Windermere in his constituency

Context

  • Environmental concerns were raised about pollution in Lake Windermere

  • The issue affected local communities and tourism in Farron’s constituency

Actions taken

  • In 2025, MP Tim Farron raised the issue in Parliament

  • He criticised the government over pollution levels affecting the lake

Outcome

  • The issue received national political attention

  • It demonstrated how MPs can prioritise constituency interests and use Parliament to represent local concerns

Representation through select committees

  • Select committees can represent the public interest, not just party interests

  • Committees gather evidence from:

    • experts

    • interest groups

    • members of the public

  • This allows wider civic concerns to be reflected in parliamentary scrutiny

Case Study

Women and Equalities Committee - Menopause Discrimination

Context

  • Concerns were growing about discrimination faced by women experiencing menopause in the workplace

Actions taken

  • The Women and Equalities Committee conducted an inquiry

  • It gathered evidence and published reports examining menopause discrimination

Outcome

  • The committee’s work influenced government discussion and policy debate

  • It demonstrated how select committees can give voice under-represented groups

Opposition and alternative representation

  • Not all voters support the governing party

  • The opposition represents:

    • alternative policy platforms

    • voters who did not vote for the government

  • Opposition parties:

    • scrutinise government policy

    • offer competing manifestos

Case Study

Territorial representation - Scottish MPs

A smiling man in a blue suit sits on the green benches of the House of Commons, surrounded by Parliamentary colleagues
Ian Blackford MP attends PMQs

Context

  • Scotland has distinct political priorities and devolved institutions

  • Scottish issues still require representation at Westminster

Actions taken

  • Scottish MPs, including Ian Blackford (SNP), regularly raised Scottish concerns during PMQs and parliamentary debates

Outcome

  • Scottish interests were represented at UK level

  • This demonstrated how Parliament can provide territorial representation within a unitary state

Public participation and representation

  • Parliament provides routes for direct public engagement

  • The e-petitions system allows citizens to bring issues directly to Parliament

Case Study

E-petitions - Free School Meals

Volunteers in a kitchen serve food into takeaway containers, with trays of salad, bread, and other dishes visible under a glass counter.

Context

  • During the Covid-19 pandemic, there was widespread concern about child food poverty

  • Campaigners argued that free school meals should be extended

Actions taken

  • A public petition on free school meals gained over one million signatures in 2020

  • The petition triggered a Westminster Hall debate

  • Campaigners, including Marcus Rashford, applied public pressure

Outcome

  • The issue received parliamentary debate

  • Government policy was influenced following sustained public and political pressure

  • This demonstrated how e-petitions can enhance democratic responsiveness

How effective is parliament at representation?

  • Arguments exist that both validate and diminish the effectiveness of representation

Effective representation

Limited representation

Direct election of MPs

  • MPs in the House of Commons are directly elected, giving democratic legitimacy and a clear link between voters and representatives

First-past-the-post

  • FPTP distorts representation

  • In 2024, Labour won 33.7% of the vote but 63% of seats, while Reform won 14.3% but just 0.8% of seats.

Constituency advocacy

  • MPs can raise local issues in debates, questions and committees, sometimes prioritising constituency interests over party loyalty

Party discipline

  • The whip system limits MPs’ independence, weakening genuine constituency representation.

Select committees

  • Committees gather evidence from experts and the public, allowing wider civic concerns to influence parliamentary scrutiny.

Unelected House of Lords

  • The Lords lacks democratic legitimacy, including hereditary peers and Lords Spiritual.

Public participation

  • E-petitions allow citizens to trigger debates, such as the 2020 free school meals petition.

Under-representation

  • Women made up only around 40% of MPs in 2024, despite being over half the population.

Territorial representation

  • MPs from devolved nations raise regional concerns at Westminster, particularly during PMQs and debates.

Safe seats

  • MPs in safe seats face limited electoral pressure, reducing accountability.

Examiner Tips and Tricks

  • This page is important, as it is one of the three roles of parliament

  • It is not in the specification but the principal examiner recommends students know this content, as it will help evaluation

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Author
Reviewer
Sarra Jenkins

Author: Sarra Jenkins

Expertise: Content Writer

Sarra is a highly experienced A-Level Politics educator with over two decades of teaching and examining experience. She was part of the team that wrote the Edexcel 2017 Politics Specification and currently works as a Senior Examiner. A published author of 14 textbooks and revision guides, her expertise lies in UK and US politics, exam skills, and career guidance. She continues to teach, driven by her passion for this "evolving and dynamic subject".

Lisa Eades

Reviewer: Lisa Eades

Expertise: Business Content Creator

Lisa has taught A Level, GCSE, BTEC and IBDP Business for over 20 years and is a senior Examiner for Edexcel. Lisa has been a successful Head of Department in Kent and has offered private Business tuition to students across the UK. Lisa loves to create imaginative and accessible resources which engage learners and build their passion for the subject.