Where resides the legislative power in England

Posted by: Yohana Ornelas

Some historians believe that symbolically the Monarchy is an effective force, that in providing continuity it "pays its way," but in practice there is no political power. The Queen have only symbolic functions, she have the power of Advice and Counselling, but not the power necessary to intervene in laws.

The legislature resides in Parliament that is composed by two houses. Those are the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Members are elected to five-year terms until dissolved by the Crown, on advice of the prime minister.

The members of the House of Lords are not elected, but are appointed by the Crown. There are approximately 1100 members but only about one third attend daily. Except for financial bills, the House of Lords can introduce bills as well as make amendments to bills passed by the House of Commons. The House of Lords can only delay the passages of bills for up to about one year and only thirty days for financial bills.

The House of Commons can be considered the real political power in England. Members of it are elected from constituencies of about 60,000 people. At anytime the prime minister can call for the dissolution of Parliament and call for new elections. When that happens all members must be reelected.  A front bench is how is called the place where the most important political leaders sit. The opposition front bench is the called Shadow Cabinet. The Cabinet introduces most legislation as government bills. Also, individual members may introduce private bills, which deal with local issues. Members of the majority party sit on one side of the house, directly facing the minority party members.

Each bill is given three reading in each house. The first reading introduces the bill without debate. After the second reading it is debated and goes to committee for study, discussion and amendment. On the third reading the bill is presented in its final form and a vote is taken. If it passes on the third reading, it is sent to the other house. If either house makes any amendments, they must be resolved. When both houses have passed the bill it is sent to the monarch for royal assent, which is only a ceremonial formality, before the bill becomes a law.