House of Commons and House of Lords

TANMOY MUKHERJI INSTITUTE OF JURIDICAL SCIENCE

Dr. Tanmoy Mukherji

Advocate

 

House of Commons and House of Lords-

Tanmoy Mukherji

Advocate

The British Parliament is bicameral, consisting of:

→House of Commons (Lower House)

→House of Lords (Upper House)

Though both are parts of Parliament, the House of Commons is the more powerful chamber.

House of Commons-

1. Composition

The House of Commons is the popular and representative chamber of Parliament. Its members are called Members of Parliament (MPs) and are directly elected by the people through universal adult franchise from territorial constituencies.

2. Term

The normal term of the House of Commons is five years, but it may be dissolved earlier by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister.

3. Powers and Functions

(a) Legislative Powers

The House of Commons plays the dominant role in law-making. Most important bills, especially money bills, originate in the House of Commons. In case of conflict between the two Houses, the will of the Commons generally prevails.

(b) Financial Powers

→The House of Commons has exclusive control over public finance.

→Money Bills can be introduced only in the Commons

→The House of Lords cannot amend money bills; it can only delay them for a limited period

Hence, Commons is often called the “master of the nation’s purse.”

(c) Executive Control

The executive (Prime Minister and Council of Ministers) is drawn from and responsible to the House of Commons. The government remains in office only as long as it enjoys the confidence of the Commons.

(d) Power of Criticism and Debate

The Commons debates public issues, criticizes government policies, and holds ministers accountable through:

→Question Hour

→Motions and debates

→Vote of no-confidence

4. Importance

The House of Commons is the real centre of power in the British political system. As Dicey observed, it is the “dominating authority” in Parliament.

House of Lords

1. Composition

The House of Lords is the upper and largely non-elected chamber. Its members include:

→Life Peers

→Hereditary Peers (limited number)

→Lords Spiritual (senior bishops of the Church of England)

2. Nature

The House of Lords is a permanent body; it is not subject to dissolution. Members generally hold their seats for life (except hereditary peers who are elected internally).

3. Powers and Functions

(a) Legislative Role

The House of Lords acts mainly as a revising and advisory chamber. It scrutinizes bills passed by the Commons and suggests amendments to improve drafting and content.

(b) Delaying Power

The Lords can delay ordinary bills, but cannot permanently block legislation. Under the Parliament Acts (1911 and 1949), the House of Commons can override the Lords after a specified period.

(c) Limited Financial Powers

The House of Lords has almost no financial authority. It cannot amend or reject money bills and may only delay them briefly.

(d) Judicial Role (Historical)

Historically, the House of Lords acted as the highest court of appeal in the UK. This role has now been transferred to the UK Supreme Court (2009).

4. Importance

Despite limited powers, the House of Lords plays an important role by:

→Providing expert opinion

→Ensuring detailed legislative scrutiny

→Acting as a check on hasty legislation by the Commons

→Relationship Between the Two Houses

→The House of Commons is supreme in matters of legislation and finance

→The House of Lords acts as a revising and delaying body

→In conflicts, the will of the Commons ultimately prevails

The British Parliament operates on the principle of Commons’ supremacy. While the House of Commons represents the democratic will of the people, the House of Lords contributes experience, expertise, and careful review. Together, they ensure balanced and effective law-making.