The Composition of Parliament

Question 1

How is the House of Commons composed?

Answer 1

• 650 MPs
• historically wealthy white men
• over represented groups in the house of commons are: gay people, Christians, Jews
• women make up 34%
• ethnic minorities 10%
• large parties are well represented while little parties have little - no representation

Question 2

How is the House of Lords composed?

Answer 2

• 92 hereditary peers vs 1000 before 1998 reform
• 690 life peers nominated by political parties and picked by PM
• 26 CoE Bishops