Powers and Functions of the House of Lords
Powers and Functions of the House of Lords
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Powers and Functions of the House of Lords
The powers and functions of the House of Lords have been particularly reduced in the present century. Earlier, the House of Lords was almost equal to the House of Commons in terms of power. Rather, in some cases, the power of the House of Lords was greater. But this situation has changed. In fact, the House of Lords is the representative of feudal interests. It originated and developed as the protector and guardian of the feudal class. But over time, liberal democracy was established and developed in Britain. As a result, the dominance of the feudal system began to decrease and as a natural consequence, the power of the House of Lords, as the representative of feudal power, also decreased.
The powers and functions of the House of Lords can be divided into several parts. These parts are: (a) legislative and financial powers, (b) administrative powers, (c) judicial powers and (d) other powers.
(a) Legislative and Financial Powers:
The House of Lords is an integral part of the British Parliament, the legislative body. Before 1911, the House of Lords had considerable power in making laws. In the case of ordinary bills, the House of Lords and the House of Commons had equal powers. Except for money bills, all bills could be introduced in the House of Lords like the House of Commons. The House of Lords could amend and reject bills passed by the House of Commons. But this situation has changed. After the enactment of the Parliament Acts of 1911 and 1949, the legislative and financial powers of the House of Lords were significantly reduced. According to the 1949 Act, the House of Lords could only delay the passage of ordinary bills for 1 year. It has been said that if any ordinary bill is passed in two consecutive sessions of the House of Commons and 1 year has passed between the second reading of the first session and the third reading of the second session, then that bill can become a law without the approval of the House of Lords.
(1) Role of the House of Lords in less controversial bills: - At present, in the context of the welfare state system, the responsibilities of the British Parliament in making laws have increased greatly. It is not possible for the House of Commons to perform all these responsibilities alone. Therefore, the House of Lords has to perform the responsibility in making laws. Any bill other than the Money Bill can be introduced in any house of Parliament. Less controversial bills are introduced in the House of Lords first.
(2) Role in making laws without defects: - Sometimes the House of Lords recommends the revision of the bill and necessary changes. In this way, the power of the House of Lords to make recommendations regarding the law is expressed. Among those who participate in the work of the House of Lords are senior politicians and people with experience in industry and commerce. The members of the House of Lords have a lot of time, are not under the pressure of the electorate and are not subject to the demands of regional and party organizations.
(3) Role in Committee Work: - There is a committee system in Parliament to consider local or special financial bills. According to Sir Ivor Jennings, the Lords take a more proactive and useful role than the busy members of the House of Commons.
(4) Private Bills and delegated legislation: - The House of Lords plays an equal role in the formulation of private bills and delegated legislation and reduces the workload of the House of Commons.
(5) Role of the Wise Council: - The House of Lords has many accomplished people from different fields. Therefore, they are experienced. The quality of their discussion and criticism is very high. The members of the House of Lords have been members of the Legislative Assembly for a long time. They are not directly associated with any political party. As a result, they can enact laws in the role of a proper wise council based on the knowledge gained from experience.
(6) Watchdog of Democracy: - According to many, the House of Lords is the vigilant watchdog of British democracy. The House of Lords can block any law that is against the public interest. In this way, there is an opportunity to create public opinion on that matter and the unrestrained House of Commons is forced to restrain itself.
(b) Executive Powers: -
The House of Lords can freely and in detail discuss various policies of the government. This House can draw the attention of the public to the shortcomings of the government. Apart from this, the House of Lords can approve and examine administrative orders. In a parliamentary system, the Cabinet has unlimited power due to the absolute majority in the House of Commons. There is no way to control the work of the government. In such a situation, the House of Lords often tries to maintain checks and balances. The House of Lords has important powers like the House of Commons in removing judges. Both the houses exercise the power jointly in removing judges. There are even examples where the responsibility of some important office has been given to a member of the House of Lords.
(c) Judicial Powers: -
The House of Lords is the highest court in Britain. The House of Lords serves as the highest court of appeal in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. It has both original and appellate jurisdiction. The importance of original jurisdiction has now diminished. The House of Lords is the highest court of appeal in both civil and criminal cases. Apart from this, the House of Lords and the House of Commons have equal power in removing judges. The House of Lords also has judicial power in some other cases. The House of Lords resolves all disputes regarding the title of Lord. It can also fine or imprison the accused on charges of violating the rights of the House.
(d) Other Powers: -
In addition to the above duties, the House of Lords -
(1). Considers private bills and uncontroversial bills.
(2) Sometimes a person who is not a member of Parliament is given the title of ‘Lord’ and taken to the cabinet. Again, former ministers, senior politicians, etc. are established in the House of Lords and are established in a semi-political life.
(3) The importance of the power and role of the House of Lords in influencing the government and public opinion cannot be denied. The House of Lords plays this role through high-quality constructive discussions and debates.
(4) The House of Lords can help the House of Commons in discussing some important issues. Among these issues, defense and foreign affairs, relations with Commonwealth countries, etc. are worth mentioning.
(5) The House of Lords can still reject laws and regulations written in accordance with Statutory Law. In fact, the House of Lords, as a wise council, can exert its influence on the government and the public.
Conclusion:
The House of Lords has lost its effectiveness and relevance in the British political system. The House of Lords is less prestigious than the House of Commons. However, the powers it still holds are not insignificant. The House of Lords can debate matters of law, policy and administration. The House of Lords is a world-renowned chamber for debating matters of government policy. The intellectual value of this chamber is beyond dispute.
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