British House of Commons

The lower house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom

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Type
Type	Lower house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom
Chambers
Term limits
Established
Disbanded
Preceded by
Succeeded by

The House of Commons is the lower house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It is responsible for making and passing laws, scrutinizing the government, and representing the public. The House of Commons is a key component of the UK's constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy.

History

The origins of the House of Commons date back to the early 13th century, when representatives from various boroughs and counties were summoned to advise the king. The House of Commons became a separate entity from the House of Lords in the 14th century. Over time, it gained more power, particularly after the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution, which established the supremacy of Parliament over the monarchy.

Composition

The House of Commons is composed of Members of Parliament (MPs), each representing a constituency in the UK. As of the latest general election, there are 650 MPs. The political party or coalition with the majority of seats typically forms the government, with its leader becoming the Prime Minister.

Functions

The primary functions of the House of Commons include:

• Legislation: Proposing, debating, and voting on new laws and amendments to existing laws.
• Scrutiny: Holding the government accountable through questioning, debates, and committee investigations.
• Representation: Representing the interests and concerns of constituents.
• Budget Approval: Reviewing and approving government spending and taxation.

Procedure

The House of Commons operates under a set of rules known as Standing Orders. The Speaker of the House of Commons presides over debates, ensuring order and fairness. MPs participate in debates, propose bills, and vote on legislation. The House meets in the Palace of Westminster, a historic building in London.

Elections

General elections are held at least every five years, using the first-past-the-post voting system. Each constituency elects one MP, who serves until the next election. By-elections occur if a seat becomes vacant between general elections.

Also see

• House of Lords
• Parliament of the United Kingdom
• Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
• Speaker of the House of Commons
• British Constitution

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