What is the House of Lords? Jump Start

Summary

The House of Lords is often misunderstood, but it plays a key role in the UK government. Originally an advisory council to the king, it evolved into a legislative body that, along with the Commons, shapes laws and holds the government accountable. Significant reforms, like the 1958 Life Peerages Act and the 1999 Lords Act, have diversified its members, including life peers and bishops. The Lords focus on challenging government decisions, working with the Commons, and investigating issues through debates and committees, without the influence of party politics. It's now the second busiest legislative chamber in the world.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The House of Lords isn't just for the privileged but has evolved over time.
• 🤴 Originally, the Lords started as an advisory council to the king, who had much more power.
• 📜 The Magna Carta of 1215 was a key moment in sharing power between the monarchy and the nobility.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 By the 14th century, Parliament was divided into two houses: the Lords and the Commons.
• ⚖️ Over time, power shifted towards the Commons, especially after King Charles was executed in 1649.
• 👑 Inheriting seats in the Lords made people question their representation of the public.
• 👩‍⚖️ The Life Peerages Act of 1958 allowed women into the Lords, significantly changing its composition.
• 🏷️ The 1999 Lords Act reduced the number of hereditary peers and stopped the passing of seats to family.
• 📋 The House of Lords has three key functions: questioning the government, shaping laws, and investigating issues.
• 🪑 Unlike the Commons, the Lords has no political majority and focuses less on party politics.

Q & A

What was the original purpose of the House of Lords?

The House of Lords started as an advisory council to the king, offering counsel on matters of state when summoned by the monarch.

How did the Magna Carta affect the power of the Lords?

The Magna Carta, signed in 1215 by King John, required the king to share power with the nobility, thus giving the Lords more influence in governing.

Why are there two houses in the UK Parliament?

By the 14th century, King Edward III divided his advisors into two chambers: the Lords, representing the nobility, and the Commons, consisting of lesser knights and merchants. This division remains today as the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

How did the balance of power between the monarch and Parliament shift over time?

Over time, the Commons gained more power while the monarchy's influence declined, notably when King Charles I was executed by the Commons in 1649, marking a clear shift in authority towards Parliament.

What was the purpose of the Life Peerages Act of 1958?

The Life Peerages Act of 1958 allowed men and women to join the House of Lords based on their achievements, introducing women into the house and diversifying its membership.

How did the House of Lords Act of 1999 change the composition of the Lords?

The House of Lords Act of 1999 reduced the number of hereditary peers, preventing them from automatically passing their seats to their descendants. This made the Lords more merit-based.

Who decides who becomes a member of the House of Lords today?

A panel helps the Prime Minister decide who becomes a member of the House of Lords, ensuring a range of individuals with diverse experiences are brought into the house.

What are the three main functions of the House of Lords?

The three main functions of the House of Lords are to question and challenge the government, work with the House of Commons to shape laws, and investigate issues through committees and debates to improve governance.

How is the seating arrangement in the House of Lords different from the House of Commons?

The seating in the House of Lords is similar to the Commons, with government members on one side and opposition on the other. However, the Lords also includes cross-benchers who are not affiliated with any political party, and they sit on the cross benches opposite the wool sack.

What is the significance of the wool sack in the House of Lords?

The wool sack is the seat of the Lord Speaker and symbolizes the importance of the wool trade, which was historically significant to the UK's economy. It is stuffed with wool from various Commonwealth nations.