The Comparative Powers of the House of Commons and Lords

Question 1

What are the powers of the HoC?

Answer 1

1. The sole right to defeat a bill.
2. Exclusive right to dismiss the government if it loses a vote of no confidence.
3. The Labour government of James Callaghan lost a vote of no confidence in 1979 by 310-311.

Question 2

How does Walter Bagehot describe the two parts of government?

Answer 2

1. ‘efficient’ part of government is the Commons.
2. ‘dignified’ is the Lords.

Question 3

What advantages does the HoL over the HoC?

Answer 3

1. They do not have the same constituency duties as MPs, they can devote more of their time to scrutiny.
2. As they are not elected or bound by a party’s manifesto, they are more able to act independently.
3. The large number of crossbenchers makes it difficult for a government to dominate the Lords.

Question 4

Specialists Appointments in the HoL:*L

Answer 4

1. Baroness Black of Strome (Sue Black) was appointed in 2021.
2. Anatomist and forensic anthropologist
3. Played a leading role in many criminal trials and war crime investigations including Kosovo and Sierra Leone.
4. President of St John’s College, Oxford

Question 5

House of Commons Function:

Answer 5

1. Represents the nation and is accountable to it in a a general election.
2. Can dismiss the government in a vote of no confidence.
3. Must agree to the Budget.
4. Legitimises dissolution of Parliament and by convention major military operations.
5. Executive requires the consent of the House of Commons.
6. Scrutinise legislation in debate and Public Bill Committee.
7. Select Committees monitor the work of government departments.

Question 6

House of Lords Function:

Answer 6

1. Can delay legislation only by a year.
2. Salisbury Convention- cannot oppose legislation in the winning party’s manifesto
3. PA Acts do not apply to SIs so they could theoretically veto SIs.
4. Revising chamber
5. If the HoC voted to extend the Parliament beyond 5 years, the HoL could constitutionally reject this proposal- can protect civil liberties.

Question 7

Arguments in Favour that the Lords fulfil an important parliamentary role:

Answer 7

1. Expertise of the peers means they can significantly improve legislation.
2. The reports of HoL committees are held in high regard because of experience of members.
3. Often raise important issues for public debate
4. Scrutinises ministers further, government is accountable.
5. If the government has a large majority, the House of Lords provide an independent opposition.