Lecture III the Government of Great Britain. British Monarchy

The total membership of the Lords is about 1,200, but the majority of the nation’s peers take no active part in the proceedings of the house, Members of the Lords include hereditary peers, life peers, the ten senior judges, the archbishops of Canterbury and York, and 24 bishops of the Church of England. The chairman of the House of Lords is the Lord Chancellor and he sits on a special seat called the Woolsack. Both houses, and especially the Commons, are organized along party lines. Normally the largest party in Commons from the government and the leading members of this party are appointed to senior ministerial positions (the cabinet). They must explain and defend their policies and acts to Commons.

• The total membership of the Lords is about 1,200, but the majority of the nation’s peers take no active part in the proceedings of the house, Members of the Lords include hereditary peers, life peers, the ten senior judges, the archbishops of Canterbury and York, and 24 bishops of the Church of England. The chairman of the House of Lords is the Lord Chancellor and he sits on a special seat called the Woolsack. Both houses, and especially the Commons, are organized along party lines. Normally the largest party in Commons from the government and the leading members of this party are appointed to senior ministerial positions (the cabinet). They must explain and defend their policies and acts to Commons.

All important legislation is introduced into Parliament by the government. House of Lords no longer has the power to kill a piece of legislation. It can initiate amendments on bills (except money bills) and delay legislation.

• All important legislation is introduced into Parliament by the government. House of Lords no longer has the power to kill a piece of legislation. It can initiate amendments on bills (except money bills) and delay legislation.

Because the government usually has a majority in Commons, it can normally ensure that its major policies are accepted by Parliament. Party loyalty and discipline in Commons are strong. When the government, however, does not have an actual majority in Commons (because of third-party members), it must enlist enough support from minority members to get legislation passed.

• Because the government usually has a majority in Commons, it can normally ensure that its major policies are accepted by Parliament. Party loyalty and discipline in Commons are strong. When the government, however, does not have an actual majority in Commons (because of third-party members), it must enlist enough support from minority members to get legislation passed.