Political System of UK

British Constitution
British constitution was not drafted at particular time, it has a rather an evolutionary growth spreading over many centuries. This evolution
has been characterized with consistency and coordination while the relationship between the past and present has never been rent ascended.
Two political upheavals of the English history which occurred in 1649 and 1660, no doubt, did upset the peaceful growth of the constitution
for the time being. But the political system recovered, within a short spell, in its pristine form. The Glorious Revolution of 1688, which bore
deep imprints on the basic injunctions of the British system, did not break consistency in the evolutionary growth of the constitution.
Continuity in this evolutionary process, owes a lot to the flexibility of the constitution. The conservative temperament of English people also
played an important role in preserving the consistency in the evolution of their constitution.
The British constitution can be classified into two main parts:
1. Constitutional Law
It signifies the body of rules recognized and enforced through the courts.
2. Conventions of the constitution
These, though most imperative to the working of British political system, are not enforced by the courts.

Features of British Constitution

1. Evolutionary Growth:
The British constitution has never been reduced to writing in a documentary form at a particular time; it has rather an evolutionary growth.
Conscious efforts as well as needs of times shaped its spontaneous growth. Important acts of the Parliament and judicial decisions fall under
the first category, while unwritten sources such as conventions, also played their due role in the development of the constitutional law.
2. Unwritten:
Unwritten nature of the English constitution does not imply that all of its parts are unwritten. It means that it has not been reduced to
writing, as already explained, in a single documentary form. Some of its components are found explicitly in written form such as historic
documents, important acts of the Parliament and Common Law.
3. Flexibility:
Flexibility of a constitution implies the absence of specific procedure required for the amendment of the constitution. British constitution is
flexible in the sense that the Parliament can amend the constitution like alterations in statutory laws, just by a simple majority.
A noteworthy feature of this constitution is that it is not as flexible as it appears outwardly, for English people due to their conservative
temperament, resist abrupt and drastic changes in their constitutional system.
4. Limited Separation of Powers:
Limited separation of powers operates in the working of the governmental system. The reputed French political thinker, Montesquieu,
portrayed the theory of Separation of Powers on the basis of the observation of the working of the British system. He contemplates that
the Crown in Britain, is the repository of executive authority; Parliament performs legislative functions, while the courts exercise judicial
authority.
5. Unitary System:
Central government is the exclusive source of all governmental authority in Britain. It demarcates the powers and functions of local
institutions and makes rules regarding their organization.
6. Bicameral Legislature:
The Parliament consists of two chambers: House of Lords and House of Commons. The lower house, House of Commons, is a popular
chamber whose members are directly elected by the electorate while the upper chamber, House of Lords, is basically a hereditary chamber
and its members are nominated by the Queen. House of Commons being a popular chamber, is comparatively more powerful while ion the
past it performed a subordinate role.
7. Supremacy of the Parliament:
The doctrine of Separation of Powers bears two things. Firstly, Parliament enjoys unlimited powers of legislation and is fully authorized to
alter or repeal any law or convention by a simple procedure. It can abolish any political institution or practice that has been in existence for
the last many centuries. British Parliament, to put it in the phrase of De Loeme, a French writer, can do every thing except to make a man
into a woman or vice versa. Secondly, no law enacted by the Parliament can be challenged in the court on the plea that it is against the
constitution whereas in most of the modern states, the superior courts exercise the power of judicial review over the laws passed by the
legislatures.
8. Constitutional Monarchy:
From constitutional point of view, the Crown is the repository of the entire governmental authority in Britain. The powers of the Crown are
not, however, exercised by the Queen in person, but these are wielded by different branches of the government, of course, on behalf of the
Queen. As Ogg was of the view that theoretically British government is absolute monarchy, its governmental form signifies constitutional
monarchy, its governmental form signifies constitutional monarchy while in practice, and the governmental structure is closer to Republican
form.
9. Parliamentary System:
British political system is pioneer in introducing and developing parliamentary democracy. Cabinet, which is the real executive, is in fact, an

integral part of the Parliament. All the members of the Cabinet are the members of either of the chambers of the Parliament. The Cabinet
works as a team under the leadership of the Prime minister while all ministers are collectively accountable to the Parliament. The Cabinets
role is not limited merely to the exercise of administrative authority; it appears all the government bills to be initiated in the House of
Commons. The Cabinet in modern times has assumed almost dictatorial powers because the administrative policies of the Cabinet have the
sanction of favorable legislation.
10. Two Party System:
Two party system flourished in Britain right from the beginning of the Parliamentary period. Before the emergence of the present Labour
Party in the second decade of the present century, the fight was between the Conservatives and the Liberal Party. Prior to that the two rival
factions were Tories and Whigs. Hence two major political parties, whatsoever their names, remained active in the political arena. In the
present century, Labour Party has taken the place of Liberal Party while the latter has lost its political significance.
11. Rule of Law:
Rule of Law implies three aspects:
a) No person can be detained unlawfully without his guilt being proved in a court of law.
b) All citizens stand equal in the eyes of law and none is above law.
c) Fundamental rights of the citizens are, in the larger part, creator of certain rules of constitutional law.
12. Fundamental Rights:
Fundamental rights of the citizens, unlike the practice of other countries, have not been incorporated in the form of a list in the English
Constitution. Constitutional law is not the creator but a product of fundamental rights, which have been recognized, from time to time, by
the courts. Hence most of the fundamental rights are based on judicial decisions.
13. Respect to Democratic Values:
The success of democracy in Britain owes a lot to the democratic behavior of the citizens. The Public is generally tolerant to divergent views
and the majority of the groups respect the verdict of the majority. Majority Party, on the other hand, pays due regard to the view point of the
opposition. An atmosphere of mutual understanding, tolerance and cooperation exists within the Parliament.
The Cabinet
The Cabinet in Britain is the real executive authority which enjoys decision-making powers not only in administrative matters but over
legislation as well. Theoretically, it is merely a committee of the Parliament, in practice, it wields almost dictatorial powers. English
governmental system is characterized by political homogeneity due to its Parliamentary set up and the absence of Separation of Powers.
According to Sir John Marriot, it is a pivot around which the whole machinery of the state revolves. While Lowell said, the
Cabinet is the Keystone of the political arch.
The Cabinet consists of those ministers who are incharge of different portfolios and belong to the majority party in the Parliament. The
ministers remain in power so long as they command the confidence of the Parliament, otherwise they have to resign.
Features of Cabinet System
1. Membership of the Parliament:
All the members of the Cabinet are supposed to be the members of either House of the Parliament.
2. Political Homogeneity:
As the Cabinet has to work as a team, normally like-minded persons are included in it so as to preserve political homogeneity. Even if
differences arise, these are resolved within the meetings and are not let known to the public.
3. Coordination between Government Branches:
Close cooperation between cabinet and parliamentary majority is inevitable. Hence the Cabinet controls not only administrative policymaking but also has firm grip over legislation.
4. Queens exclusion from Cabinet Meetings:
According to long-standing convention established in 1714, the Monarch does not participate in Cabinet meetings and these are presided
over by the Prime Minister. The latter informs the Monarch about all important decisions.
5. Responsibility of the Cabinet:
a) All ministers are legally accountable to the Queen and as such they remain in power at the pleasure of the Ruler.
b) All ministers work in close collaboration and work as a team. Every minister has the right to advise his Cabinet colleagues even on maters
relating to the departments other than those of his own.
c) Politically, Cabinet is accountable to the Parliament which means that ministers remain in power so long as they command the confidence
of the majority in the House of Commons.
6. Collective Responsibility:
The Cabinet is collectively accountable to the Parliament. It means that every minister is responsible for all the decisions taken in Cabinet
meetings and every minister shares this responsibility.
7. Secrecy in Meetings:

All the proceedings of the Cabinet meetings are kept secret and the differences within the Cabinet are not let known to the people. The
differences, if leaked out, can possibly be exploited by the opposition.
8. Ascendancy of Prime Minister:
All the members of the Cabinet stand on equal footing; the Prime Minister, however, performs pivotal role in the functioning of the Ministry.
He coordinates the work of different departments.

Dictatorship of the Cabinet

It is a general impression that the Cabinet has assumed almost dictatorial powers in British political system on account of its firm grip over
executive and legislative decision-making. Instead of accountability to the Parliament, it actually guides and controls the parent body.
1. Party Discipline:
Under a parliamentary setup, the life of a Cabinet depends on the discretion of the Parliament. Ministers remain present on the floors of
chambers of the Parliament to defend their policies. The legislators control the executive through different techniques such as asking
questions, moving adjournment motions and resolutions and through criticizing the policies. But the members of the majority party always
support the Cabinet due to strict party discipline.
2. Rules of Procedure:
The rules of procedure within the House enable the Cabinet to consume most of its time and control the agenda even at the cost of private
members initiatives. Most of the bills which are transformed into laws come from government side.
3. Fiscal Control:
Control over finance is the most effective weapon by virtue of which Cabinet can implement its policies effectively.
4. Delegated Legislation:
Legislative role of the Cabinet is not confined within the Parliament only; it rather makes rules and regulations necessary for the
enforcement of statutes. Hence through its power of Delegated Legislation, the Cabinet can interpret statutes according to its own liking.
5. Increased State Activity:
Modern welfare state has increased sphere of its activities, which has indirectly resulted in enhancing the role of the Cabinet. Administrative
heads of departments have been given certain quasi-judicial powers in Britain.
Control of the Parliament over the executive branch has actually become ineffective since the former can advise the Queen to dissolve the
Parliament and hold fresh elections. According to Bagehot, The Cabinet is such a creature which can destroy its creator.
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Prime Minister of UK

The Prime Minister holds pivotal position rights from its formation till its ultimate fall in a Cabinet form of government. Theoretically all
Ministers stand equal but in practice, the Prime Minister is most effective and powerful as he can ask any Minister to resign. According to
Sir William Harkot, Prime Minister is foundation stone of the Cabinet arch.
Origin: The office of the Prime Minister, like other English Institutions has an evolutionary growth. Its origin can be traced back to the
period of George I when the ruler abstained from attending the meetings of the cabinet. Walpole has been regarded as the first Prime
Minister. This term appeared for the first time in public records in 1878. It was legally recognized in 1937 Act, under which the salary of the
Prime Minister was fixed.
Position in the Government:
1. As Cabinet Chief:
As head of the Cabinet, the Prime Minister supervises and coordinates the work of different Ministers. He performs a pivotal role in the
formation and working of the Cabinet. His opinion carries weight in the Cabinet meetings and as such he can resolve the differences among
the ministers. Sometimes, he may take decisions in an independent manner or in consultation with quite few ministers, as done by Mr. Eden
in 1954. In collaboration with French Government, he decided to attack Egypt.
2. As Leader of the House:
Being the leader of the majority party in the House of Commons, the Prime Minister assumes the role of leader of the House. As such he
issues policy statements and during the sessions of the Parliament he remains in close touch with the leader of opposition. It is on the advice
of the Prime Minister that the Queen decides to summon, prorogue or dissolve the Parliament. As leader of the House, the Prime Minister
enjoys certain privileges on the floor of the House. He is given more time to speak during the deliberations.
3. As a National Leader:
Leadership role of the Prime Minister is not confined merely within the Parliament he is rather taken as a national leader due to his most
prestigious position. His opinion on important national issues is paid due heed. His statements and speeches are regarded as the most
effective channel for molding public opinion.

4. Link between the Queen and Cabinet:

British Prime Minister acts as a link between the Cabinet and the Queen. He keeps her informed about all important decisions of the
Cabinet. The Queen makes important policy statements on the advice of the Prime Minister. The speech from the throne to be delivered in
the beginning of new session of the Parliament is also prepared by the Prime Minister.
5. Conduct of Foreign Affairs:
The opinion of the Prime Minister carries special weight in foreign affairs. Secretary of Foreign Affairs, in particular, remains in constant
touch with the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister represents the country in important international conferences.
With the extension in the functions of the Cabinet, the role of Prime Minister has become more domineering. A competent Prime Minister is
expected to be a good administrator and a symbol of leadership qualities. Mostly, before the assumption of his office, most of the Prime
Ministers had put in many years in parliamentary life. According to a political analysis, America has produced very few Presidents of higher
caliber as compared to British Prime Ministers.
Political Parties
Emergence of political parties is inevitable in modern democracies. A truly representative system can not be conceived in the absence of
political groupings. In Britain, political parties, like other democratic institutions, have an evolutionary growth and Cabinet form of
government is really a fruit of this development. Emergence of political parties in England can be traced back to 17th century when the
tussle started between the Cavaliers and Round heads. Cavaliers favored absolute rule of the Monarch while the Round heads supported
constitutional government. During the period of Charles II, political parties emerged under the new names of Tory and Whigs.
Under the rule of George III, Whig party came to be known as Liberals and the Tories as Conservatives. Former believed in the introduction
of liberal reforms while the latter supported a status quo in the policy process. Emergence of Labour party in the early 20th century is an
important event in the history of British politics. By the beginning of World War I, this party was firmly established and it got official
recognition as opposition. It was in 1924 after the fall of Baldwin Ministry, that the Labour Party came into power. With the emergence of
strong Labour Party, the Liberal Party receded into the background and lost its political importance.
Features of Party Politics:
1. Two Party System:
Two party system has a parallel growth along with the evolution of modern political institutions in Britain. Other small parties at no stage
gained much political significance. At present, Labour and Conservative parties have dominated the political scene.
2. Centralism in Party Organization:
Before the emergence of Labour Party, the organization of political parties was not well-knit and sound. The central party leadership has
firm control over all party units at lower levels.
3. Ideological Basis:
Before the emergence of Labour Party, British political parties were neither organized on ideological basis, nor did they develop sharp
differences in respect of their programs. Labour Party believes in introducing socialistic model of economy within, of course, a democratic
framework, while, the Conservative want to preserve the old order with certain progressive reforms.
4. Continuous Struggle:
Organization of British political parties has been characterized by firm commitment to the set democratic values and norms. Each party has
its own program, Manifesto, rules and regulations and organization that bears a close resemblance to governmental structure.
5. Party Discipline:
British parties have a glorious tradition of maintaining party discipline. Very few members change their political affiliations, an over
whelming majority adheres to party decision and its programs.
6. Cooperation and Accommodation:
The presence of fraternal feelings and sense of cooperation among the members of political parties is not merely due to strict party
discipline, it is rather deeply planted in their political culture.

Conservative Party
Conservative Party aims at the preservation of old British traditions and its legacy. Its main program revolves around the promotion of
national integration, safeguarding of the interest of Crown and that of the church and the preservation of free economy pattern. It does not
imply that the party is against progressive reforms. Its economic program fully manifests welfare policy. The Conservative leadership in the
19th century was mostly concentrated in land-owners. It has now broadened, but it remains upper class. It includes both born aristocrats and
self-made people but is still characterized by social exclusiveness, a little snobbery, academic education and wealth. Conservative M.Ps in
contrast to Labour Party is mostly barristers, land owners, business people, journalists and retired military officers.
Central Council and Administrative Committee:
The central council is the most important administrative organ of the party. It convenes its sessions twice a year in which the reports
submitted by Administrative Committee are considered. In addition, it examines the proposals of local cells of the party.
Central Office and the Party Fund:
The party maintains its permanent headquarters with a huge staff at its disposal. Chairmen of the offices and treasurer are appointed by party

leaders. A nominal annual subscription is taken from the members, as contribution to party funds.

Labour Party

The organization of Labour Party is very vast and its structure somewhat intricate, as different autonomous organizations is affiliated with it.
All these organizations are given representation in the central set-up. These affiliated organizations can be classified as:
a) Socialist Societies
b) Cooperative Societies
c) Trade Unions
Labour Party aims at the betterment of the worming classes in particular and believes in evolutionary Socialism. Its program ensures the
provision of equal opportunities to all alike for the material and moral development of the society as a whole. Main source of strength of
Labour Party are the worming classes and other low-income groups. Party programs also attract the middle class.
National Administrative Committee:
Administrative Committee holds its meeting monthly that continues for 2-3 days, in which important policy decisions are taken. IN addition,
it controls and supervises the central party offices.
National Council:
It performs the useful function of coordinating the activities of cells and organs of the party offices. The trade unions also control the
National Executive Council, which administers the party apparatus.
Manifesto:
Labour Party wants to put big industries under state control. The main features of its program are: general welfare, promotion of education,
provision of health facilities, proper wages to the working classes, unemployment insurance etc. It aims at increasing the industrial and
agricultural output and providing job opportunities. The party nationalized the big industrial concerns during 1945-51 and introduced
agricultural reforms as well.

Liberal Party

With the emergence of Labour Party, Liberal Party lost its significance. Its program stands in-between the program of both the big parties. It
believes in free economy but wants to introduce economic reforms for general welfare and economic solidarity of the society. Liberals detest
the policy of nationalization of industries; rather support private ownership and encouragement of public investments. In the agricultural
sector, it intends to increase the agricultural output through small land holdings.
People belonging to divergent professions and trades are among the ranks of its membership. Main source of party funds is the subscription
of its members and the donations by the wealthy people. There was a time when major contribution to party funds came through Sale of
Honor etc distribution of political offices on the basis of contribution to party funds.
Liberal Party, despite its dislikeness for Socialism, believes in progressive economic reforms. In order to increase industrial output, it favors
nationalization of certain big industries. The ultimate objective of the party is to create a welfare structure ensuring full employment,
elimination of poverty and illiteracy and respect to ownership rights and safeguarding of liberty.
The Parliament
British parliament has been regarded as the earliest of the modern Parliaments and as such called Mother Parliament. King in Parliament
regarded as the legal sovereign in British Constitutional System; and the constitutional validity of the laws enacted by the Parliament can not
be challenged in any court of law.
The parliament consists of two chambers: House of Lords is the upper chamber which is basically hereditary one, whereas House of
Commons, lower chamber, is a popular one. As a matter of fact, the powers of Parliament, in modern democratic age, are exercised by the
House of Commons.
House of Commons
House of Commons consists of 646 members who are directly elected on the basis of adult suffrage, from single member constituencies.
Every member represents approximately 57, 000 voters. Before 1922, the total strength of this House was 707, but after the separation of
Ireland as an independent polity, it was decreased. Total seats of the House are divided on the basis of regional divisions and electoral
districts formed.
Qualification of Voters:
All citizens of eighteen years and above are given the right to vote without any discrimination on the basis of cast, color, creed, religion,
class or sex. Three months residential requirement in an electoral district is, however, prescribed for registration as voter in the electoral roll.

Members of the House of Lords, aliens, lunatics, idiots and criminals who have sentenced for imprisonment for more than twelve months
are exempted.
Qualification of Candidates:
The persons who are declared unfit for candidature are: Aliens, Parsons under 21 years of age, Bankrupts, Peers, Habitual criminals,
mentally unsound persons, Priests of established churches of England, Judges of Supreme Court and all servants of crown excluding
political office holders. All citizens who fulfill requisite qualifications are eligible to contest the election for membership of the parliament.
Loss of Membership:
A Member of Parliament can resign from its membership. In the past, this right was not secured as the members did not find incentive to
attend the sessions of the Parliament and some would prefer to resign. At present, membership of the Parliament is a matter of great honor
and prestige and it carries many privileges in addition to allowances.
Duration:
House of Commons is constituted for a period of five years. It can be dissolved earlier by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Summoning and Prorogation of the Sessions:
The sessions of the Parliament are normally summoned more than once during a year but holding of at least one session a year, is a
constitutional requirement based on a convention. The presence of at least 40 members constitutes the quorum in order to carry on the
business of the House. If it is short of quorum and any member draws the attention of the Speaker to this effect, it is postponed till the
completion of the quorum.

The Speaker
The office of the Speaker of the House of Commons is regarded as one of the most prestigious after that of the Prime Minister. It is difficult
to trace the origin of this office, as it existed even at a time when this House was not really a legislative chamber. Sir Thomas Hungeford,
who was appointed in 1377, seems to be the first Speaker.
Before the dawn of democratic era, the Speaker used to be nominated by the ruler while the House had no choice in this respect. Now the
House is fully authorized to elect its own presiding officer while the Queen formally gives her consent. In order to preserve a long standing
tradition of neutrality of the speaker; political parties do not contest the election of the Speaker; and usually the previous Speaker is reelected. Accordingly, a Speaker is re-elected for as many terms as he cares to serve. He must be the member of Parliament.
The office of British Speaker holds an excellent record of impartiality and fairplay in politics. After election to this office, the Speaker
remains aloof from practical politics and resigns from his party membership. He abstains from attending party meetings and tries to avoid
mixing up with the politicians. In order to preserve the decorum of this office, he avoids attending even social gatherings.

Functions of House of Commons

The House of Commons enjoys superior powers of legislation and Supremacy of Parliament, practically implies the supremacy of the
House. House of Commons performs the following functions:
1. Legislation:
The primary function of the House is to enact laws and make alterations in the existing ones so as to bring these in line with changing
conditions. It enjoys unlimited powers of legislation since the bills passed by this House are neither rejected by the House of Lords nor
vetoed by the Queen, nor declared void by the courts.
2. Control over the Executive:
Cabinet is merely a committee of the House and most of the Ministers are members of the House of Commons. They remain in power so
long as they continue to command the confidence of the majority in the House, otherwise they have to resign.
3. Control over Finance:
The House enjoyed somewhat superior position even in the past, over the House of Lords, as far as financial legislation is concerned.
According to a long standing tradition since 1407, all money bills would originate in the House of Commons. Under 1911 Act of the
Parliament, the latter got complete hold over fiscal matters. The Cabinet submits the budget in this House for approval while the members
participate in discussion and generally criticize the appropriation bi8ll and taxation policy. Without the authorization of the Parliament
nothing can be spent from the national exchequer nor any tax raised. In order to make the control of the House effective over financial
matters, different committees of the House examine the fiscal proposals.
4. Selective Functions:
Debates in the House of Commons are an effective channel of impacting political training to its members. Membership of this House for a
longer period makes them seasoned and experienced in law and politics.
5. Public Education:
Free and frequent deliberations on the floor of this chamber, help in educating general public and the proceedings are reported in the

newspapers. The Press gives full coverage which generates public interest in political affairs.

Role of Opposition
Opposition performs a vital role in the success of democracy. Fair and free discussion within disciplinary norms, is indispensable for the
working of democratic institutions. The Opposition performs its due role by criticizing the policies of the Government and presenting
alternate solution to different problems. According to Jennings, opposition is indispensable part of the Parliament. It is held in esteem and
officially named as Her Majestys Opposition. The main functions of Opposition are:
1. Substitute Leadership:
Primary function of the Opposition is to provide substitute leadership in case of failure of Government. Queen invites the opposition leader
and asks him to form the government. Shadow Cabinet, as explained elsewhere, already exists in the opposition circles, and it steps into the
power under such conditions.
2. Check on the Government:
Another major role of the opposition is to criticize and scrutinize the policies of the government and bring in lime-light shortcomings in the
administration. It also performs a positive function of bridging the gulf between the public and the government through political
communication.
3. Positive Role:
The Oppositions role is not confined merely to the performance of negative functions; it has to cooperate with the government in many
ways. The politicians on both sides, have full perception of national interest, they move with caution and moderation and explore the areas
of mutual cooperation.
Role of Opposition in preserving the democratic spirit of a political system is imperative and its presence regarded indispensable. In United
Kingdom, opposition is given proper representation in all House Committees according to its numerical strength. Leader of the Opposition
provides list of his members for these committees while as important member of the opposition is the chairman of the Committee on Public
Accounts.
An established party system and adherence to party discipline, have also contributed in stabilizing the political system. Party members have
rarely revolted against the leadership or changed their political affiliations, as it happens frequently in developing societies.
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The House of Lords
The House of Lords which is the upper chamber of the Parliament, is a permanent chamber and organized basically on hereditary principles.
Split of Parliament into two Houses took place during the period of Edward III when he convened the meeting of Model Parliament. During
the session of this Parliament, the clergy and Barons organized themselves to sit in a second chamber different from the Commons.
House of Lords remained more powerful till, eighteenth century as the aristocratic classes had firm grip over both the chambers. But a
change occurred during 19th century along with the introduction of electoral reforms and extension in suffrage. As a result, House of Lords
lost its significance and receded into the background. At present, the Commons exercise, the supreme legislative authority while the Upper
House has been reduced to the position of a ratifying chamber.
Composition:
Total strength of the House of Lords keeps on varying due to the death of old members and the appointment of new ones. Basically it is a
hereditary chamber since nine tenth of its members are peers viz., who became members by virtue of hereditary rights. Some persons are
appointed for life time but their heirs have no right to succeed as peers.
1. Members of Royal Family:
Members of Royal family, who have attained specific age, are made the members of this House. All persons having blood relations with the
ruling family are not given membership. The members of this category rarely attend its sessions and do not actively participate in the
deliberative process even if they happen to attend.
2. Hereditary Peers:
Hereditary members of the House of Lords are known as peers. It included three categories:
a) 75 members are elected by hereditary peers from among themselves
b) 15 office bearer peers are elected by the whole House of Lords
c) Two peers are Royal office Holders
3. Life Members:
Under the Life Peerage Act of 1958, any citizen can be appointed as member of House of Lords for his life-time who rendered distinct
services to the national cause.
4. Scottish Members:
The Scottish Peers used to return from among themselves sixteen persons to represent them in the House for a term equal to the term of
House of Commons i.e for five years till 1943. But under Peerage Act of 1943, all Scottish Peers were made permanent members.

5. Law Lords:
House of Lords is the highest court of appeal for all cases in England, as it has also performed judicial functions. For the promotion of
professional competence, few law experts are also added to its membership for life time.
6. Spiritual Lord:
All the oft-quoted categories are known as temporal Lords while Lords spiritual are appointed on the basis of religion. All Bishops of
churches of England and Arch Bishop are members of this House, numbering about 26.
Grant of Membership:
Generally, the former Speakers and the Prime Ministers who have served the nation for a longer period are made Peers for their memorable
services. Men of merit and distinction in various fields of national life, are also appointed. The Queen is fully authorized to appoint as many
persons as she deems proper but in practice, she has to move with caution so as to preserve the prestigious position of this illustrious
Chamber.
Resignation:
Before the enactment of a law in 1963, hereditary peers were entitled to resign from the membership of the House of Lords. But under this
act they have been given the right to resign within a period of twelve months after their appointment.
Quorum:
Legally the presence of only three members constitutes the Quorum of the meetings. Normally, attendance is above three hundred. Many
peers care a little to attend the sessions for years together. On ceremonial occasions, however, there may be heavy attendance. Very few
Lords actively participate in its deliberations.
Lord Chancellor:
Lord Chancellor presides over the meetings of the House of Lords. He is an important member of the Cabinet and head of the judicial
establishment. Lord Chancellor supervises the working of the courts and appoints judges of the High court. He presides over the special
sessions of the House when it sits as a court. He is also a member of the judicial committee of the Privy Council. Being as important
member of the Cabinet, he performs vital role in the passage of all government bills in the House of Lords.

Powers and Functions

1. Legislation:
Before the enactment of the Parliament Act 1911, both the chambers of the Parliament shared equal powers and the upper chamber could
reject even money bills passed by the House of Commons. The Liberal government after wining two consecutive elections got the new law
enacted after much struggle. The new law curtailed the powers of Lords.

2. Financial Legislation:
Before the Act of 1911, the upper chamber exercised equal powers with the Commons in respect of financial legislation, with the sole
exception that all money bills originated in the latter House. But the role of House of Lords was minimized under 1911 Act of Parliament.

3. Judicial Powers:
House of Lords is the last court of appeal. Nevertheless, judicial powers of the House of Lords are, in fact, exercised by the Law Lords.
When the court conducts its session as a court, only the Law Lords participate while the other members abstain from attending such session.

Reasons of Survival:
Two basic principles are generally set forth to judge the utility of a bicameral legislature. First, the upper chamber should be constituted on
different lines from the lower ones so as to avoid duplication. Second, the upper chamber should revise the bills coming from the popularly
constituted chamber, it should not, however, be powerful enough to act as a rival to the former.
This chamber has been organized on distinct principles from the one characterizing the lower House. Such persons of outstanding ability and
expertise, not active in politics, can be made peers. Hence the nation can utilize the services of such talented people. It is an undeniable fact
that the members of this House are generally more seasoned parliamentarians and as such the standard of debates on the floor of this House,
is much higher than that of its counterpart.

Criticism:
The very presence of a hereditary chamber in a democratic age seems awkward and undemocratic. Personal traits of character are not based
on hereditary principles. An efficient and hardworking person may be succeeded by a son of worthless character. Most of the Peers show
indifferent attitude towards their duties and responsibilities as Parliamentarians, and rarely attend its sessions. The tone of this House is
generally conservative and as such it stands as a bulwark in the way of progressive legislation.

It has also been observed that this chamber shows a leaning towards the Conservative Party. When Conservative Party is in power this
House is generally supportive and cooperative while it develops a hostile attitude against the government of Labour Party. In the presence of
parliamentary system, the utility of the House of Lords becomes doubtful as the Cabinet is accountable to the House of Commons and not to
the House of Lords.
The main reason of its survival can be ascribed to the conservative temperament of the English people. They would not like to depart with
an institution which has been with them for the last many centuries. This House has no doubt, served the nation in the past and is expected to
continue to perform its role I the future. People do not want to abolish it but would support any move aiming at its reforms especially in its
organization.
The Committee System
Committees perform very useful functions in the working of a modern legislature; they save its time and enlighten its burden of work. The
committees thoroughly probe into the matters over which legislation is pending and submit the reports carrying proposals. Committees
include such members who are interested in certain matters. Procedure of the committees is less formal and the member can fully express
their view point on the subject under consideration.
The Committee System emerged in 1881 under the reign of Elizabeth I; bills were referred to the select committees after second reading.
These grew in importance after 1919 in the process of law-making. At present five different categories of committees perform their
functions in the Parliament. These are as follows:
1. Sessional Committees:
These are constituted for the whole session, each devoted to specific functions. For instance, Committee on Selection selects members for
standing committees. Committee on Public Accounts is also a Sessional committee.
2. Committee of the whole House:
This committee consists of all the members of the House. Sessions of this committee are presided over by its respective chairman instead of
the Speaker. A distinct method is employed to control debate in these committees. Every member enjoys liberty to express his views for as
much time as he cares to speak since the procedure is comparatively less formal.
3. Standing Committees:
Standing committees got developed, after 1882. These are constituted by every new Parliament in its very first session for a full term of the
Parliament. At present, the number of Standing committees is five, and the fifth one is devoted specifically to all bills relating to Scotland.
Representation is secured to each party according to its numerical strength within the House.
Standing committees may continue their meetings separately simultaneously with the meetings of the House, due to the excessive load of
work. These may be adjourned for a short-while in order to enable the members to participate in the proceedings of the Hose when the vote
is to be taken.
4. Select Committees:
These committees are appointed from time to time to probe into the matters over which legislation is pending. Select committees are
regarded experts on specific matters. They are authorized to call for public records or witnesses. Such committees are formed almost during
every session of the Parliament. The examples of such committees are: Committee on Privileges, Committee on Public Estimates etc.
5. Private Bill Committees:
These committees deal with private bills and the total number depends on the number of private bills. The number of members of each
Private Bill Committee is about four in the House of Commons while in the House of Lords each such committee, comprises five members.
The Committee men give patient and impartial, hearing to the point of view of each party and are fully authorized to call for public records,
officials and evidence.
6. Joint Committees:
These are formed when both the Houses of Parliament are equally interested to legislate on a particular matter. Joint Committees are also a
sort of select committees as they cease to exist after having done their work.
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