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The New Zealand House of Representatives is a bicameral legislative body, sharing power with an upper chamber.
Answer: False
The New Zealand House of Representatives is a unicameral legislative body, meaning it is the sole chamber of the New Zealand Parliament, without an upper chamber.
The New Zealand Constitution Act 1852, an act of the British Parliament, was responsible for the establishment of the House of Representatives.
Answer: True
The New Zealand Constitution Act 1852, enacted by the British Parliament, indeed established the House of Representatives, though it initially created a bicameral legislature.
A government in New Zealand is formed when a party or coalition commands the 'confidence' of the House, meaning the support of a majority.
Answer: True
The formation of a government in New Zealand is indeed contingent upon a party or coalition commanding the 'confidence' of the House, which signifies the support of a majority of its members.
Early general elections can only be called if a government loses a vote of no-confidence.
Answer: False
While losing a vote of no-confidence can lead to an early general election, the Prime Minister also has the discretion to call a snap election, particularly if a minority government struggles to maintain confidence.
The New Zealand Parliament gained full control over all New Zealand affairs in 1947 with the passage of the Statute of Westminster Adoption Act.
Answer: True
The New Zealand Parliament indeed achieved full legislative autonomy over all New Zealand affairs in 1947 through the enactment of the Statute of Westminster Adoption Act.
The New Zealand House of Representatives' procedures are modeled after the United States Congress.
Answer: False
The New Zealand House of Representatives' procedures are modeled after the British House of Commons and the Westminster system, not the United States Congress.
The Legislative Council, New Zealand's upper chamber, was abolished in 1950.
Answer: True
The Legislative Council, which served as New Zealand's upper chamber, was abolished in 1950, making the Parliament unicameral.
What is the primary function of the New Zealand House of Representatives?
Answer: To act as the sole chamber of the New Zealand Parliament, responsible for passing laws and supervising government operations.
The source identifies the House of Representatives as the sole legislative chamber, primarily responsible for passing laws and supervising government operations.
When did the first sitting of the New Zealand House of Representatives take place?
Answer: 1854
The first sitting of the New Zealand House of Representatives occurred on 24 May 1854.
When did the New Zealand Parliament gain full control over all New Zealand affairs?
Answer: 1947
The New Zealand Parliament gained full control over all New Zealand affairs in 1947 with the passage of the Statute of Westminster Adoption Act.
What is the model for the New Zealand House of Representatives' parliamentary procedures?
Answer: The British House of Commons
The New Zealand House of Representatives' parliamentary procedures are modeled after the British House of Commons and the Westminster system.
When was the Legislative Council, the upper chamber of the New Zealand Parliament, abolished?
Answer: 1950
The Legislative Council, New Zealand's upper chamber, was abolished in 1950, making the Parliament unicameral.
The normal number of members in the House of Representatives is 120, but an 'overhang' situation can lead to more members.
Answer: True
The normal composition of the House is 120 members, and an 'overhang' situation, where a party wins more electorate seats than its proportional share, can indeed result in a higher number of members.
Members of Parliament in New Zealand serve for a fixed term of four years.
Answer: False
Members of Parliament in New Zealand serve for a term of up to three years, not four years, with general elections typically held every three years.
The New Zealand House of Representatives uses a first-past-the-post electoral system for all its elections.
Answer: False
The New Zealand House of Representatives utilizes a mixed-member proportional representation (MMP) system, not a first-past-the-post system, for its elections.
Members of Parliament who change their party allegiance during a term, known as 'waka-jumping,' may be expelled from the House.
Answer: True
The practice of 'waka-jumping,' where Members of Parliament change their party allegiance during a term, can indeed result in their expulsion from the House, a rule designed to uphold party discipline.
Casual vacancies for electorate seats are filled by appointing the next available person on the party list.
Answer: False
Casual vacancies for electorate seats are filled through by-elections, whereas list member seats are filled by appointing the next available person on the party list.
Bankruptcy disqualifies a person from being a Member of Parliament in New Zealand.
Answer: False
Unlike in some other countries, bankruptcy does not disqualify a person from holding the office of Member of Parliament in New Zealand.
The annual salary for a New Zealand Member of Parliament is NZ$168,600 as of October 2023.
Answer: True
As of October 2023, the annual salary for a New Zealand Member of Parliament is indeed NZ$168,600.
Voting is compulsory in New Zealand, contributing to its high voter turnout.
Answer: False
Voting is not compulsory in New Zealand, although the country maintains a high voter turnout compared to other democratic nations.
Under the MMP system, a party must win at least two electorate seats to be eligible for party list seats.
Answer: False
Under the MMP system, a party must win at least one electorate seat or secure 5 percent of the total party vote to be eligible for party list seats, not necessarily two electorate seats.
An 'overhang seat' occurs when a party wins fewer electorate seats than it is entitled to based on its party vote.
Answer: False
An 'overhang seat' occurs when a party wins *more* electorate seats than it is proportionally entitled to based on its party vote, not fewer.
What is the normal number of seats in the New Zealand House of Representatives?
Answer: 120
The House of Representatives normally consists of 120 members, though an 'overhang' situation can lead to more.
What electoral system is used for elections to the New Zealand House of Representatives?
Answer: Mixed-member proportional representation (MMP)
Elections for the New Zealand House of Representatives utilize a mixed-member proportional representation (MMP) system.
What is the consequence for Members of Parliament who engage in 'waka-jumping'?
Answer: They may be expelled from the House.
Members of Parliament who engage in 'waka-jumping' may be expelled from the House to maintain party discipline.
How are casual vacancies in electorate seats filled in the New Zealand House of Representatives?
Answer: Through a by-election.
Casual vacancies in electorate seats are filled through by-elections, while list member seats are filled from the party list.
What is the annual salary for a Member of Parliament in New Zealand as of October 2023?
Answer: NZ$168,600
As of October 2023, the annual salary for a Member of Parliament in New Zealand is NZ$168,600.
What is the minimum threshold for a party to be eligible for party list seats under the MMP system?
Answer: Win at least one electorate seat or secure 5 percent of the total party vote.
Under the MMP system, a party must win at least one electorate seat or secure 5 percent of the total party vote to be eligible for party list seats.
What is an 'overhang seat' in the context of New Zealand's MMP electoral system?
Answer: When a party wins more electorate seats than it is entitled to based on its overall party vote.
An 'overhang seat' occurs when a party wins more electorate seats than its proportional entitlement based on its overall party vote.
What does the image 'New Zealand MMP voting paper.jpg' depict?
Answer: An example of a ballot paper used in Mixed-Member Proportional (MMP) elections.
The image 'New Zealand MMP voting paper.jpg' shows an example of a ballot paper used in Mixed-Member Proportional (MMP) elections.
As of December 2023, Christopher Luxon holds the position of Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives.
Answer: False
As of December 2023, Gerry Brownlee holds the position of Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives, not Christopher Luxon, who is the Prime Minister.
The 'Father of the House' title is held by the longest continuously serving member in the House.
Answer: True
The unofficial title of 'Father of the House' (or 'Mother of the House') is traditionally accorded to the longest continuously serving member in the House, following British parliamentary custom.
The Speaker of the House is a non-partisan officer who manages the legislative program of Parliament.
Answer: False
The Speaker of the House is a non-partisan presiding officer who oversees procedures and maintains order, but it is the Leader of the House who is primarily responsible for managing the legislative program of Parliament.
The Green Party refers to their whips as 'musterers'.
Answer: True
The Green Party indeed uses the term 'musterers' to refer to their whips, who are responsible for party discipline and ensuring members' presence for votes.
The Chief Parliamentary Counsel is responsible for administrative tasks and advising members on parliamentary rules.
Answer: False
The Clerk of the House is responsible for administrative tasks and advising members on parliamentary rules, while the Chief Parliamentary Counsel is a lawyer who assists in drafting bills.
The Serjeant-at-Arms is the custodian of the ceremonial mace, symbolizing the authority of the House.
Answer: True
The Serjeant-at-Arms is indeed the custodian of the ceremonial mace, which symbolizes the authority of the House, and is responsible for maintaining order and security.
The mace in the debating chamber symbolizes the authority of the House, and lawful meetings cannot occur without its presence.
Answer: True
The mace is a crucial ceremonial object that symbolizes the authority of the House, and its presence in the debating chamber is indeed essential for lawful parliamentary meetings.
Ministers are Members of Parliament who do not hold executive roles and are subject to party discipline.
Answer: False
Ministers are Members of Parliament who *do* hold executive roles (portfolios in the government), whereas 'backbenchers' are members who do not hold such roles but are still subject to party discipline.
The Clerk of the House is a non-partisan officer responsible for advising members on parliamentary rules and managing administrative tasks.
Answer: True
The Clerk of the House is indeed a non-partisan officer whose responsibilities include advising members on parliamentary rules and managing various administrative tasks.
Who is the current Prime Minister of New Zealand according to the provided information?
Answer: Christopher Luxon
Christopher Luxon has been the Prime Minister of New Zealand since 27 November 2023, as stated in the provided information.
Who holds the unofficial title of 'Father of the House' in the New Zealand Parliament?
Answer: The longest continuously serving member
The unofficial title 'Father of the House' is held by the longest continuously serving member in the House.
Who supports the Speaker in their duties within the House of Representatives?
Answer: A Deputy Speaker and up to two assistant speakers.
The Speaker is supported by a Deputy Speaker and up to two assistant speakers, all elected or appointed from among the members.
What is the primary function of the Leader of the House?
Answer: To arrange government business and manage the legislative programme.
The Leader of the House is appointed by the Prime Minister to arrange government business and manage the legislative programme of Parliament.
What is the role of 'whips' in the New Zealand House of Representatives?
Answer: To act as organisers and administrators for MPs within each political party, ensuring presence and voting according to party wishes.
Whips are responsible for organizing MPs within their party, ensuring their presence, and that they vote according to party directives.
Which non-partisan officer is responsible for maintaining order and security within the precincts of the House and is the custodian of the ceremonial mace?
Answer: The Serjeant-at-Arms
The Serjeant-at-Arms is the officer responsible for order and security within the House and is the custodian of the ceremonial mace.
What is the significance of the mace in the debating chamber?
Answer: It symbolizes the authority of the House, and MPs cannot lawfully meet without its presence.
The mace is a ceremonial object symbolizing the authority of the House, and its presence is essential for lawful meetings.
What is the role of the Clerk of the House?
Answer: To advise members on parliamentary rules and customs and manage administrative tasks.
The Clerk of the House is a non-partisan officer who advises members on parliamentary rules and manages administrative tasks.
The debating chamber of the House of Representatives is located in Auckland, New Zealand.
Answer: False
The debating chamber of the House of Representatives is located in Parliament House in Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, not Auckland.
The New Zealand House of Representatives debating chamber has a circular seating arrangement.
Answer: False
The New Zealand House of Representatives debating chamber has a horseshoe seating arrangement, similar to the British House of Commons, not a circular one.
Members of the Government occupy seats to the Speaker's left in the debating chamber.
Answer: False
Members of the Government occupy seats to the Speaker's right in the debating chamber, while the Official Opposition sits to the Speaker's left.
Members of Parliament can address the House in English, Te Reo Māori, or New Zealand Sign Language.
Answer: True
Members of Parliament are indeed permitted to address the House in English, Te Reo Māori, or New Zealand Sign Language, with interpreter services provided for the latter.
The Speaker can 'name' a member, which automatically results in their permanent expulsion from the House.
Answer: False
While the Speaker can 'name' a member for breaking rules, this action typically results in their expulsion from the chamber for a period, not necessarily permanent expulsion from the House, following a vote by the House.
During debates, the mover of a motion is allowed to speak only once, like all other members.
Answer: False
During debates, the mover of a motion is an exception to the rule, allowed to speak at both the beginning and end of the debate, unlike other members who generally speak only once.
In a 'personal vote' during a division, MPs enter 'Aye' or 'No' lobbies to have their votes counted.
Answer: True
In a 'personal vote,' which is used for conscience issues during a division, Members of Parliament indeed enter 'Aye' or 'No' lobbies to have their votes individually counted by tellers.
The House of Representatives typically sits from Monday to Friday when in session.
Answer: False
The House of Representatives typically sits from Tuesday to Thursday when in session, not Monday to Friday.
Where is the debating chamber of the House of Representatives located?
Answer: Wellington
The debating chamber of the House of Representatives is located inside Parliament House in Wellington.
How are members of the Government seated in the debating chamber relative to the Speaker?
Answer: To the Speaker's right.
Members of the Government occupy seats to the Speaker's right in the debating chamber.
What is 'Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)'?
Answer: The official transcripts of debates and proceedings in the House of Representatives.
'Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)' refers to the official verbatim transcripts of debates and proceedings in the House of Representatives.
What is 'proxy voting' in the House of Representatives?
Answer: Casting a vote on behalf of another member with an excuse.
Proxy voting allows a member to designate another party or member to cast a vote on their behalf, provided an excuse is given.
A 'bill' becomes an 'act of Parliament' after it passes all parliamentary stages and receives Royal Assent.
Answer: True
A 'bill' transforms into an 'act of Parliament' upon successfully passing all its parliamentary stages and subsequently receiving Royal Assent from the Governor-General.
The process for selecting 'members' bills' is informally known as 'democracy by biscuit tin'.
Answer: True
The informal term 'democracy by biscuit tin' accurately describes the ballot process used for selecting 'members' bills' to proceed to their first reading.
During the first reading of a bill, the debate focuses on specific clauses and proposed amendments.
Answer: False
During the first reading of a bill, the debate centers on its general principles and overall scope, with detailed scrutiny of specific clauses and proposed amendments occurring at later stages, such as the committee of the whole House.
The Attorney-General checks bills for consistency with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 before the first reading.
Answer: True
The Attorney-General's role indeed involves checking bills for consistency with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 prior to their first reading.
The 'financial veto' power can only be exercised by the Minister of Finance at the third reading stage of a bill.
Answer: False
The 'financial veto' power can be exercised by the Government, typically through the Minister of Finance, at any stage of the legislative process, not exclusively at the third reading.
The 'committee of the whole House' stage involves a smaller group of MPs for detailed scrutiny, similar to a select committee.
Answer: False
The 'committee of the whole House' stage involves the entire House of Representatives debating a bill in detail, operating less formally than usual, and thus differs from a select committee, which is a smaller, specialized group of MPs.
'Wrecking amendments' are typically proposed by government ministers to improve a bill's clarity.
Answer: False
'Wrecking amendments' are typically proposed by the Opposition to symbolize contrasting policy positions or to delay a bill's passage, not by government ministers to improve clarity.
The third reading of a bill is the final opportunity for debate before a vote on its passage.
Answer: True
The third reading of a bill serves as the final opportunity for debate on its general terms before a conclusive vote is taken on its passage.
The time limit for select committee deliberations on a bill is always three months.
Answer: False
The time limit for select committee deliberations on a bill is typically six months, or a specific deadline set by the House, unless an extension is granted, not always three months.
Public submissions during the select committee stage are limited to written statements only.
Answer: False
During the select committee stage, public submissions can be made both in writing and orally, allowing for comprehensive public engagement.
What is the typical time limit for speeches during the first and third readings of a government bill?
Answer: 10 minutes
During the first and third readings of a government bill, individual Members of Parliament typically make ten-minute speeches.
What is the final step for a bill to become law after passing its three readings in the House?
Answer: It is sent to the Governor-General for Royal Assent.
After passing its three readings, a bill is sent to the Governor-General for Royal Assent to become law.
What is the Attorney-General's role before a bill's first reading?
Answer: To check its consistency with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990.
Before a bill's first reading, the Attorney-General checks its consistency with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990.
What is the purpose of the 'select committee stage' in the legislative process?
Answer: To allow the public to make submissions and for detailed scrutiny of the bill by a smaller group of MPs.
The select committee stage provides for detailed scrutiny of a bill by a smaller group of MPs and allows for public submissions.
What is the 'financial veto' power primarily used for?
Answer: To reject proposed legislation that would significantly impact the government's budget and expenditure plans.
The 'financial veto' power allows the Government to reject legislation that would significantly impact its budget and expenditure plans.
How does the 'committee of the whole House' stage differ from a select committee?
Answer: The committee of the whole House involves the entire House of Representatives debating the bill in detail.
The 'committee of the whole House' involves all Members of Parliament debating the bill in detail, unlike a select committee which is a smaller group.
What are 'wrecking amendments' typically proposed by the Opposition for?
Answer: To symbolize their contrasting policy position or to delay the bill's passage.
'Wrecking amendments' are proposed by the Opposition to signify their policy disagreement or to delay a bill's progress.
What is the maximum time limit for select committee deliberations on a bill, unless an extension is granted?
Answer: Six months
Unless an extension is granted, the time limit for select committee deliberations on a bill is six months.
Before 1907, New Zealand representatives were known as 'Members of Parliament' (MPs).
Answer: False
Before 1907, New Zealand representatives were known as 'Members of the House of Representatives' (MHRs) and even earlier as 'Members of the General Assembly' (MGAs), not 'Members of Parliament' (MPs).
The 54th New Zealand Parliament has the highest number of women MPs since they were first allowed to stand for Parliament.
Answer: False
The 54th New Zealand Parliament has the second-highest number of women MPs (43.9%) since they were first allowed to stand in 1919, not the highest.
New Zealand granted women the right to vote in the 1893 election, making it the first self-governing nation to do so.
Answer: True
New Zealand indeed became the first self-governing nation to grant women the right to vote, commencing with the 1893 election.
The 2020 general election was the first time a single party won an outright majority under the MMP system in New Zealand.
Answer: True
The 2020 general election marked the first occasion a single party achieved an outright majority under New Zealand's MMP system since its introduction.
Māori seats adopted the secret ballot for parliamentary elections in 1871, the same year as European New Zealanders.
Answer: False
While European New Zealanders adopted the secret ballot in 1871, Māori seats did so later, in 1938.
The 1908 and 1911 general elections in New Zealand used a two-round voting system.
Answer: True
The 1908 and 1911 general elections in New Zealand were indeed exceptions to the first-past-the-post system, utilizing a two-round voting system.
The Local Government Amendment Bill (No 5) was the first government bill to be defeated in the twentieth century in New Zealand.
Answer: True
The Local Government Amendment Bill (No 5) in 1998 was indeed the first government bill to be defeated in the twentieth century in New Zealand, marking a rare legislative event.
What were representatives called before being known as 'Members of Parliament' (MPs) after 1907?
Answer: Members of the House of Representatives (MHRs)
Before 1907, representatives were referred to as 'Members of the House of Representatives' (MHRs).
What percentage of the 54th New Zealand Parliament consists of women members?
Answer: Approximately 43.9%
The 54th New Zealand Parliament has 54 women members, constituting 43.9% of the total.
When did New Zealand become the first self-governing nation to grant women the right to vote?
Answer: 1893
New Zealand granted women the right to vote in the 1893 election, making it the first self-governing nation to do so.
What significant electoral outcome occurred in the 2020 New Zealand general election under MMP?
Answer: The first time a single party won an outright majority since the introduction of proportional representation.
The 2020 general election was the first time a single party won an outright majority under the MMP system since its introduction.
When did Māori seats adopt the secret ballot for parliamentary elections?
Answer: 1938
Māori seats adopted the secret ballot for parliamentary elections in 1938, later than European New Zealanders.
What was the first government bill to be defeated in the twentieth century in New Zealand?
Answer: The Local Government Amendment Bill (No 5) in 1998
The Local Government Amendment Bill (No 5) in 1998 was the first government bill to be defeated in the twentieth century in New Zealand.
What is the current composition of the Government in the 54th Parliament?
Answer: National Party (49 seats), ACT (11 seats), and NZ First (8 seats).
In the 54th Parliament, the Government consists of the National Party (49 seats), ACT (11 seats), and NZ First (8 seats).