Constitution of UK – Institutions
The Parliament
The Parliament |
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Institution | The Parliament |
Description | The British Parliament, evolving over three centuries, is the sole entity with sovereign powers due to the absence of a written constitution. It is bicameral, consisting of the House of Lords and the House of Commons. |
Structure | – House of Lords: Second chamber, with hereditary members. – House of Commons: Fixed strength at 650 members. |
House of Lords Categories | Life peers, law lords, bishops, and elected hereditary peers. |
Powers | The House of Lords can propose and pass amendments, but its powers are restricted. If it disagrees with legislation, it can only delay enactment for up to a year. Rules ensure alignment with the House of Commons and the government’s views. |
The House of Lords
The House of Lords |
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Institution | The House of Lords |
Description | Second chamber of the UK Parliament, part of the bicameral system. |
Structure | Divided into four categories: life peers, law lords, bishops, and elected hereditary peers. |
Powers | Can propose and pass amendments; powers are restricted, and disagreements with legislation result in a maximum one-year delay in enactment. Rules ensure alignment with the House of Commons and the government’s views. |
The House of Commons
The House of Commons |
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Institution | The House of Commons |
Description | Lower chamber of the UK Parliament presided over by the Speaker. |
Structure | Population-dependent fluctuation in the number of members. Prime Minister leads the government and is a member of the House of Commons majority party or coalition. |
Leadership | Prime Minister leads the government, but no longer the leader of the House of Commons. Speaker of the House of Commons is the majority party’s chief spokesman. |
Cabinet | Usually made up of House of Commons members from the majority party. |
Constitution of UK
Constitution of UK: England is a country that doesn’t have a written constitution like some others around the world. Instead, it follows an “uncodified constitution.” The government of the UK abides by a set of written rules and regulations that come from a mix of English and Scottish laws, as well as international treaties and agreements accepted by the UK.
In this article, we will learn about the Constitution of the UK in great detail, and take a look at its salient features, different institutions, and the reforms made over time as well.
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