2.6 The Comparative Powers Of The House Of Commons & Lords Flashcards
What is the most powerful institution in the UK Parliament?
The House of Commons.
What authority does the House of Commons have regarding the government?
The House of Commons has the authority to dismiss a government through a vote of confidence.
What happens if a government loses a vote of confidence?
If a government loses a vote of confidence, it must either resign or call for a general election.
What was the outcome of the vote of confidence for James Callaghan’s Labour government in 1979?
The government lost the vote of confidence by a single vote (310 in favor, 311 against), leading to a general election.
How does a vote of confidence ensure government accountability?
A vote of confidence ensures accountability by allowing the Commons to show support or withdraw it, strengthening or weakening the government’s authority.
How did Walter Bagehot describe the House of Commons and the House of Lords?
He described the Commons as the “efficient” part of government and the Lords as the “dignified” part.
Why can members of the House of Lords dedicate more time to scrutinizing legislation?
Members of the House of Lords do not represent constituencies or have electoral responsibilities, giving them more time for legislative scrutiny.
What advantage does the independence of Lords provide?
Their independence, along with a large number of crossbenchers, limits government dominance and allows for more balanced decision-making.
What is a significant role of the House of Lords despite being perceived as less powerful than the Commons?
The House of Lords plays a key role in scrutinizing legislation and maintaining balance in decision-making.
Give an example of a Lord who has contributed significantly to medicine.
Lord Patel – A medical professional and former president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. He focuses on maternal and child health, healthcare policies, and public health debates.
Give an example of a Lord with expertise in forensic science.
Baroness Black of Strome – A forensic anthropologist who has worked on identifying victims of war crimes and contributed to debates on criminal justice and international law.
Give an example of a Lord with expertise in Parliament and constitutional matters.
Lord Norton of Louth – A Professor of Politics at Hull University and a renowned expert on Parliament and the constitution. He speaks regularly in debates and writes on parliamentary operations.
Give an example of a former MP who joined the House of Lords with significant political experience.
Kenneth Clarke – A former Conservative MP (1970–2019) who held cabinet roles under Margaret Thatcher, John Major, and David Cameron. He was raised to the peerage in 2020 and brings a wealth of experience and independent judgment to the Lords.
Give an example of a Lord who advocates for child refugees and humanitarian issues.
Baron Alf Dubs – A former Labour MP who escaped Nazi-occupied Prague on the Kindertransport. He is a strong advocate for child refugees and called for greater UK action during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Give an example of a Lord who advocates for child refugees and humanitarian issues.
Baron Alf Dubs – A former Labour MP who escaped Nazi-occupied Prague on the Kindertransport. He is a strong advocate for child refugees and called for greater UK action during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
