Which of the following is a function of the party whip?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks about the role of a party whip, an officer in a legislature (e.g., the National Assembly or a State House of Assembly).

Step 2: Explain the concept A party whip is a legislator chosen by their party to enforce party discipline in the legislature. The main duties are:

• Making sure party members attend sittings and vote on important bills.
• Making sure members follow the party's position (the "party line") when voting.
• Informing members of the party's stand on issues and the legislative schedule.
• Acting as a link between the party leadership and the ordinary members.

The word comes from the fox-hunting term "whipper-in", the person who keeps the hounds together. The whip keeps party members together in the same way.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Flogging erring party members: Wrong. The whip disciplines through persuasion and party sanctions, never physical punishment.
• B. Ensuring that the members tow the party position: Correct. This is the core function of the whip. (The usual spelling is "toe the party line", but the meaning is the same.)
• C. Ensuring the safety of the speaker: Wrong. This is the job of the Sergeant-at-Arms.
• D. Assessing the performance of the law makers: Wrong. Assessment is done by the electorate, the party, and the media, not by the whip.

Step 4: Answer

Exam tip: Link "whip" with "discipline and attendance". Link "Sergeant-at-Arms" with "security and order". Government questions often test these two officers together.