Algor Cards

The British Parliament: A Bicameral Institution

Concept Map

Algorino

Edit available

The British Parliament, a bicameral body with the House of Commons and the House of Lords, has evolved since the Magna Carta of 1215. The Commons is the primary legislative chamber, while the Lords acts as a revising chamber with life peers, hereditary peers, and Lords Spiritual. Significant reforms have modernized the Lords, ensuring it remains a vital part of UK democracy.

The Structure and Origins of the British Parliament

The British Parliament, the supreme legislative body in the United Kingdom, is a bicameral institution comprising the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The House of Commons is composed of Members of Parliament (MPs) who are elected to represent constituencies. It is the primary legislative chamber where the government is formed by the majority party or coalition. The House of Lords, traditionally a body of hereditary nobility and clergy, now includes appointed life peers, bishops, and a limited number of hereditary peers. The Parliament's roots can be traced back to the early medieval period, with the Magna Carta of 1215 establishing the principle that the king could not levy taxes without the consent of his royal council, which evolved into the Parliament. The modern bicameral structure was established in the 14th century, with the House of Commons gaining ascendancy over the Lords, particularly after the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution of 1688.
Opulent red and gold parliamentary hall with rows of velvet benches, a grand throne, ornate table, and lavish chandeliers, exuding historical grandeur.

The Transformation of the House of Lords

The House of Lords has experienced transformative changes throughout its history, with the most significant reforms occurring in the 20th and 21st centuries. Originally composed of aristocrats with hereditary titles and senior bishops, the Lords' composition and powers have been altered to better reflect modern democratic values. The Life Peerages Act 1958 allowed for the appointment of life peers with no hereditary rights, diversifying the membership. The House of Lords Act 1999 further reduced the number of hereditary peers to 92, selected from among their own number. The Lords Spiritual (bishops of the Church of England) continue to have a role, though their number has been capped at 26. The Lords' legislative role, while secondary to the Commons, remains significant in scrutinizing and revising legislation.

Show More

Want to create maps from your material?

Enter text, upload a photo, or audio to Algor. In a few seconds, Algorino will transform it into a conceptual map, summary, and much more!

Learn with Algor Education flashcards

Click on each Card to learn more about the topic

00

Composition of House of Commons

House of Commons consists of MPs elected to represent constituencies; primary legislative chamber.

01

Role of House of Lords

House of Lords includes life peers, bishops, hereditary peers; functions as a revising chamber.

02

Evolution of British Parliament's Bicameral Structure

Bicameral system established in 14th century; House of Commons gained power over Lords post-English Civil War and Glorious Revolution.

Q&A

Here's a list of frequently asked questions on this topic

Can't find what you were looking for?

Search for a topic by entering a phrase or keyword