The Two Houses of British Parliament: Structure and Functions
The British Parliament consists of two distinct chambers that work together to create and oversee legislation in the United Kingdom. This bicameral system has evolved over centuries and continues to play a vital role in British democracy and governance.
The House of Commons, the lower chamber of Parliament, serves as the primary legislative body where elected Members of Parliament MPs represent their constituencies. With 650 members elected through a first-past-the-post system, the House of Commons debates and passes legislation, scrutinizes government policies, and represents constituent interests. The chamber is characterized by its distinctive green benches and adversarial seating arrangement, where government and opposition parties face each other across the central aisle.
Definition: The House of Commons is the democratically elected lower chamber of the British Parliament, where Members of Parliament debate and vote on legislation, scrutinize government actions, and represent their constituents' interests.
The House of Lords, the upper chamber, comprises appointed life peers, hereditary peers, and spiritual lords who bring expertise and experience to the legislative process. While it cannot prevent bills from becoming law indefinitely, the House of Lords plays a crucial role in reviewing and refining legislation passed by the Commons. The Lords' chamber is distinguished by its red benches and more collegial atmosphere, reflecting its role as a chamber of review rather than partisan politics.
Highlight: The relationship between these two houses embodies the principle of checks and balances in the British political system, ensuring thorough scrutiny of legislation while maintaining democratic accountability through the elected Commons.