House of Commons

The Irish House of Commons in 1780 by Francis Wheatley

House of Commons Chamber 1

House of Common, Parliament Canada

House of Commons is the lower house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Comprising 650 Members of Parliament (MPs), it is responsible for making and passing laws. The House of Commons is one of the two houses of Parliament, the other being the House of Lords. Unlike the House of Lords, all members of the House of Commons are elected.

History

The origins of the House of Commons date back to the 13th century, with the first English Parliament convened in 1236. Initially, it included nobility and bishops who were summoned by the monarch. Over time, the composition of Parliament evolved, and by the 14th century, it had started to resemble its current structure, with two distinct houses. The House of Commons primarily represented the commoners, while the House of Lords represented the nobility and the clergy.

Function and Powers

The primary function of the House of Commons is to pass legislation. Bills can be introduced by either the government or individual MPs, but most significant legislation is introduced by the government. For a bill to become law, it must be approved by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords and then receive Royal Assent from the monarch.

The House of Commons also has the power to tax and allocate funding. It is the only house that can propose new taxes or changes to existing ones. This power is a significant aspect of the democratic principle that taxation should not be imposed without representation.

Additionally, the House of Commons plays a crucial role in government accountability. Through various means, such as Question Time, debates, and select committees, MPs scrutinize the actions and policies of the government. The Prime Minister and the cabinet are drawn from the majority party or coalition in the House of Commons, and they must maintain the confidence of the House to remain in power.

Election and Membership

Members of the House of Commons are elected through the First Past the Post electoral system in single-member constituencies across the UK. General elections are held at least every five years, but the Prime Minister can call an election sooner. The party or coalition with the majority of seats forms the government, while the second-largest party becomes the Official Opposition, with its own leader and "shadow" ministers.

Significance

The House of Commons is a central component of the UK's democracy and governance. Its members represent the interests and concerns of the public, making decisions and laws that shape the country's future. The House's ability to check and balance the government's power is fundamental to the functioning of a democratic society.

See Also

• Parliamentary system
• Westminster system
• Speaker of the House of Commons
• Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
• Cabinet (government)

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