Parliament Structure and Functions
The UK Parliament is the cornerstone of the British legislative system, comprising three key components: the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and the Monarchy. Each plays a distinct role in how laws are made in the UK.
The House of Commons is arguably the most influential part of Parliament, consisting of 650 elected Members of Parliament (MPs) representing constituencies across the country. These MPs are chosen during general elections, making the Commons the primary representative body of the people.
Highlight: The government is formed by the political party with the majority of MPs in the Commons, with the Prime Minister leading this party.
The House of Lords, on the other hand, serves as a crucial check and balance in the legislative process. It is composed of approximately 800 peers, including:
- 92 hereditary peers
- 26 Church of England bishops and archbishops
- Life peers (the majority)
Definition: Life peers are individuals appointed to the House of Lords for their lifetime, but the position is not inherited by their descendants.
The main function of the Lords is to scrutinize and debate bills that have been approved by the House of Commons, ensuring thorough examination of proposed laws.
The Monarch's role in the legislative process is largely ceremonial, primarily providing Royal Assent to bills that have passed through both Houses of Parliament.
Vocabulary: Royal Assent is the formal approval given by the Monarch to a bill, transforming it into an Act of Parliament and thus into law.
The UK government, formed by the majority party in the Commons, is the primary source of new legislative proposals. These proposals, known as bills, must navigate a complex process before becoming law.
Example: Before a bill is formally introduced, the government may publish a Green Paper (a consultation document for policy proposals) or a White Paper (a more detailed policy document that may include a draft version of the bill).
