Structure, powers and functions of the House of Commons in Britain:-
Structure, powers and functions of the House of Commons in Britain:-
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Structure of the House of Commons:-
The British Parliament is bicameral. Its lower house is called the House of Commons. The House of Commons is actually the representative assembly of the people. British citizens can vote in the elections to the House of Commons on the basis of adult suffrage. The number of members of the House of Commons has been increased from 635 to 650. Members of the House of Commons must (a) be at least 21 years of age, (b) be British subjects by birth and by adoption, (c) take an oath of allegiance. In addition, the law related to the disqualification of the House of Commons is recorded in the House of Commons Disqualification Act 1957.
Powers and functions of the House of Commons:-
The Parliament of Britain refers to the House of Lords and the House of Commons, including the King or Queen. But in reality, the sovereignty of the British Parliament refers to the sovereignty of the House of Commons in practice. Therefore, membership in the House of Commons is a matter of honor and pride for the English. The powers and functions of the House of Commons in Britain are as follows -
1. Legislative power: -
The main function of the House of Commons is to make laws. The House of Commons can make laws for Britain and the colonies. It can change or repeal any existing law. After the Parliament Act of 1949, the House of Commons enjoys much more power than the House of Lords in making laws. The relevant bill can be sent for the approval of the King or Queen without the approval of the House of Lords. Therefore, the omnipotence of the House of Commons in making laws in Britain is undeniable.
2. Powers related to finance and budget and control of income and expenditure: -
Money bills can only be introduced in the House of Commons. The House of Lords cannot change or repeal a money bill passed by the House of Commons. Again, the decision of the Speaker of the House of Commons on whether a bill is a money bill is final. The government cannot levy taxes, collect taxes, or spend money without the approval of the House of Commons. The House of Commons controls the income and expenditure of the government through three committees - the Committee of Accounts, the Committee of Estimates, and the Comptroller and Auditor General.
3. Power to form a cabinet: -
In the parliamentary system of Britain, the role of the House of Commons in forming the government or the cabinet is important. According to constitutional norms, the leader of the majority party in the House of Commons is appointed as the Prime Minister by the King or Queen. Then, on the advice of the Prime Minister, other ministers are appointed. That is, the role of the House of Commons is the most important in forming the cabinet in Britain.
4. Power to control the government: -
The Cabinet of Britain is responsible to the House of Commons. The cabinet remains in power as long as the support of the majority of the members of the House of Commons is present behind the cabinet. In addition, the House of Commons can control the government and the cabinet through Commons debates, adjournment motions, censure motions, dismissal motions, attention-grabbing motions, etc.
5. Providing news and information: -
The House of Commons also acts as a news and information provider. It provides information on the activities of the government, questions, answers to questions, etc. through various means. Since this information is accurate, it spreads political awareness among the public.
6. Role in forming public opinion: -
The House of Commons keeps a close eye on government policies and the work of the cabinet. The public can be informed about the policies and programs of the government through debates in the House of Commons, etc. When government and anti-government statements are published in public, it plays an important role in forming public opinion.
7. Power to redress complaints against the executive branch: -
There is a post called Parliamentary Commissioner in the House of Commons and through this post, the House of Commons can take action to redress complaints against the executive branch.
8. Power to form leadership: -
The House of Commons plays an important role in developing all the qualities of leadership such as participating judiciously in the discussions, debates, etc. of the House of Commons, applying judgment, analyzing various problems and finding general solutions to solve problems.
9. Bridging the gap between the government and the people: -
The House of Commons in Britain acts as a medium of communication between the government and the people. The House of Commons acts as a bridge between the people and the government by presenting the two main political parties and their roles and rivalries, etc. and on the other hand, the needs and demands of the people in the House.
10. Investigative Power:-
Through various committees and at the request of any minister of a cabinet or at the request of the public, the House of Commons can form departmental committees and select committees. The House of Commons performs its investigative functions by conducting inquiries, taking evidence, etc. in various fields. The content of this investigative report significantly influences government policy.
Conclusion:-
However, at present, the importance of the House of Commons has significantly decreased due to various reasons. At present, the dictatorship of the Cabinet has been established. However, in the liberal political system of Britain, the House of Commons is the largest and most influential debate platform. Solutions to various international problems are found through the discussions and debates of the House of Commons. In fact, the House of Commons has proven to be a representative of the political culture of Britain.
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