(12) similarities between lords and senate

Question 1

both chambers are harder to control for whips

Answer 1

-UK, due to the mix of people in the lords it is harder for the whips to control them as they are not bound by party loyalty e.g. Giddens is a crossbench peer
-US, senators prioritise constituents over their party as they seek re-election e.g. manchin prioritises his constituents in west virginia over the democratic party
-structural, both senators and lords are protected from public opinion so are therefore less reliant on the party

Question 2

both chambers have oversight powers

Answer 2

-UK, peers can ask oral and written questions for accountability and the lords select committees hold the government to account too e.g. HOL has ministers question time and the lords constitution committee
-US, senate conducts investigations and can approve/reject executive and judicial nominees
-cultural, both systems embrace the liberal concept of checks and balances

Question 3

both chambers have a foreign policy role

Answer 3

-UK, lords provides oversight on foreign policy decisions from the commons e.g. UK-China trade links have been investigated for impact on national security
-US, the senate ratifies treaties, and can control purse strings particularly at times of war e.g. ratification of south-korea trade treaty
-cultural, both embrace checks and balances