House of Commons & Lords

• Parliament is divided into two houses: the House of Commons (elected) and the House of Lords (unelected). Both houses work together to create, check, and amend laws, ensuring proper scrutiny and balance.
• Relationship Between the Houses:

  The two houses must approve each other’s decisions before laws are finalised. This system prevents rushed or unfair legislation. The official records of their debates and speeches are published for public and media scrutiny.
• House of Commons:

  The House of Commons is the elected chamber of Parliament, consisting of 650 MPs, each representing a specific constituency.
• Key roles of the House of Commons:

  • Debating, examining, proposing, and passing laws.
  • Working in small select committees to scrutinise government work and legislation.
  • Making financial decisions, such as approving new taxes.
  • Preparing questions for the Prime Minister during Prime Minister’s Question Time (PMQs).
• House of Lords:

  The House of Lords is the unelected second chamber of Parliament, independent from the House of Commons. It consists of around 800 members (peers) from different backgrounds, including hereditary peers, life peers, retired judges, and religious leaders.
• Key roles of the House of Lords:

  • Debating, examining, proposing, and passing laws.
  • Working in select committees to scrutinise laws and government decisions.
  • Providing independent expertise on complex issues.
  • Acting as a revising chamber, reviewing laws passed by the House of Commons and suggesting amendments.
• Explain two roles of the House of Commons.

  • proposing new law. often the government will put forward new laws promised as part of the manifesto.
  • scrutinising wider areas of government policy. this may be completed by a Select Committee