The British Parliament has two houses, known as the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
Understanding the Bicameral System
The United Kingdom operates a bicameral parliamentary system. This means its legislature is composed of two distinct chambers or "houses" that work together to debate issues and vote upon bills, forming the legislative body of the nation. This structure provides a system of checks and balances crucial for the law-making process.
The Two Houses of Parliament
These two houses are fundamental to the UK's governance and legislative framework:
- The House of Lords: Often referred to as the Upper House.
- The House of Commons: Known as the elected Lower House.
Below is a breakdown of their key characteristics and primary roles within the British Parliament:
| House Name | Composition | Primary Role in Legislation |
|---|---|---|
| House of Lords | Composed of both hereditary and life peers. Its members are not elected by the public. | Debates issues, scrutinises legislation, and votes upon bills. It acts as a revising and deliberative chamber. |
| House of Commons | The elected body of the UK Parliament. Its members (MPs) are chosen by the public in general elections. | Debates issues, votes upon bills, forms the government, and holds the government to account. |
Both the House of Lords and the House of Commons are integral to the legislative process, with the House of Commons typically initiating most legislation and the House of Lords providing a vital function of review and amendment.
For more comprehensive information regarding the structure and functions of the UK Parliament, you can visit the Official UK Parliament Website.
