Where do the MPs sit in the House of Commons?

Members of the Government sit on the benches on the speaker’s right, while members of the Opposition occupy the benches on the speaker’s left.

What is the purpose of the question period in the House of Commons?

According to the House of Commons Compendium, “The primary purpose of Question Period is to seek information from the Government and to call it to account for its actions.” At the Legislative Assembly of Ontario (as well as in several other provinces) questions raised are referred as Oral Questions.

Why is the carpet Green in the House of Commons?

The Plantagenet kings of England employed green for the most important rooms in Westminster Palace. Green was used in the thirteenth century by King Henry III, for his chapel of St. Henry’s son, Edward I, carried on the theme by building the Green Chamber, which took its name from the colour of its interior.

What does House of Commons do Canada?

Members sit in the House of Commons to serve as representatives of the people who have elected them to that office. They have wide-ranging responsibilities which include work in the Chamber, committees, their constituencies and political parties.

What do members of the House of Commons devote most of their time to?

Each sitting day, a substantial portion of the House’s time is devoted to the consideration of Government Orders, which include any item of business proposed by a minister.

What powers does the Speaker of the House of Commons have?

The speaker presides over the House’s debates, determining which members may speak and which amendments are selected for consideration. The speaker is also responsible for maintaining order during debate, and may punish members who break the rules of the House.

Why is Commons green and lords red?

They think red was chosen for the Lords because it is a royal color and used in a lot of ways to indicate nobility in Britain. Green was presumably used for the House of Commons just to establish a contrast. The first mention of it being green was in 1663.

What is the chamber with green benches called?

Its benches, as well as other furnishings, are green in colour, a custom which goes back 300 years. The adversarial layout – with benches facing each other – is in fact a relic of the original use of the first permanent Commons Chamber on the site, St Stephen’s Chapel.