The Main Functions of the House of Lords

Question 1

What are the 7 (EXTRA) functions of the House of Lords?

Answer 1

• revise bills carefully
• check the government
• examine bills and debate policy
• delay bills
• deal with non-controversial issues
• spiritual
• (previously) to debate EU legislation

Question 2

Revising bills carefully

Answer 2

• more thoroughly than commons, make amendments - the revising chamber

Question 3

Check the Government

Answer 3

• the Lords is independent (no majority) and can put a break on absolute government power - however there are limits to this

Question 4

Examine Bills and Debate Policy Carefully

Answer 4

• not all party members and those that are can avoid discipline, so will have a less partisan manner
• Debates are more civilised

Question 5

Delay bills

Answer 5

• Can delay bills for up to one year but not financial bills

Question 6

Deal with Non-controversial issues

Answer 6

• secondary legislation is left to the Lords

Question 7

Spiritual

Answer 7

• 26 bishops and arch bishops

Question 8

EU legislation

Answer 8

• reviewed laws made in Brussels