The main functions of the HOL

Question 1

What are the main functions?

Answer 1

Legislation, scrutiny, legitimation, representation, providing government and debate

Question 2

Legislation

Answer 2

-As a non-elected its unable to stop bills that have just passed the HOC from becoming law
-When a bill leaves the HOC its sent to HOL and examined in detail in the chamber of the HOL–> any member of the HOL can propose an amendment

Question 3

Scrutiny

Answer 3

-HOL sessional committees and special enquiry (ad hoc) committees
-Joint HOL & HOC committees

Question 4

Legitimation, representation, providing government and debate

Answer 4

-the lords don’t have a representative role in a democratic sense
-legislation can be enacted without its consent (can’t also claim legitimising role)
-plays important role in scrutinising legislation
-committees provide gov with valuable info and advice
-members of HOL can serve as gov ministers
-wisdom & experience means that the questions for gov and their less politically toxic chamber debates can rise vital issues of public concern