Parliament: Commons and Lords
Parliament is made up of two houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
The House of Commons is the more important of the two. Its members are called Members of Parliament (MPs). Each MP represents a constituency (an area). MPs make new laws, scrutinise the government and debate important issues.
Members of the House of Lords are called peers. They are not elected. They include life peers (appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister), some hereditary peers and senior bishops of the Church of England. The House of Lords suggests amendments to laws and checks laws made by the Commons. The Commons can overrule the Lords.
Debates in the House of Commons are chaired by the Speaker, who is chosen by other MPs in a secret ballot. The Speaker is neutral and does not represent a political party, although they are still an MP.
Whips are a small group of MPs appointed by their party leaders. They are responsible for discipline in their party and making sure MPs attend the House of Commons to vote.
You can visit Parliament for free and listen to debates from the public galleries. You can also contact your MP by letter, email or phone, or meet them at a local “surgery”.
Key facts
- Two Houses: House of Commons (elected MPs) and House of Lords (peers, not elected).
- Life peers have been appointed since 1958; they are chosen by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister.
- The House of Commons can overrule the House of Lords.
- The Speaker is neutral and is elected by fellow MPs.
- Whips ensure discipline and attendance in each party.
Important dates
| 1958 | Life Peerages Act — life peers can be appointed |
Memory tips
- Commons = Chosen by voters; Lords = Lifelong appointments (mostly).
Practice questions
1. What are the two Houses of Parliament?
- The House of Commons and the House of Lords
- The Senate and the House of Representatives
- The Cabinet and the Opposition
- The Assembly and the Council
Show answer
Parliament has two houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
2. Which House of Parliament is more important and can overrule the other?
- The House of Lords
- The House of Commons
- They have equal power
- The Supreme Court
Show answer
The House of Commons is the more important chamber and can overrule the House of Lords.
3. How are members of the House of Lords chosen?
- They are elected every five years
- They are not elected; they include appointed life peers, some hereditary peers and senior bishops
- They are chosen by local councils
- They are chosen by lottery
Show answer
Members of the House of Lords (peers) are not elected.
4. Who chairs debates in the House of Commons?
- The Prime Minister
- The Speaker
- The Chief Whip
- The monarch
Show answer
The Speaker chairs debates. The Speaker is neutral and is elected by fellow MPs in a secret ballot.
5. What are members of the House of Lords called?
- MPs
- Peers
- Councillors
- Whips
Show answer
Members of the House of Lords are known as peers.
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