UK Parliament and Elections

The United Kingdom (UK) has a parliamentary democracy.
This means people vote for Members of Parliament (MPs) who represent them and make decisions on their behalf.

The UK is divided into parliamentary constituencies.
In each one, voters choose an MP during a General Election.
All the elected MPs form the House of Commons.

Most MPs belong to a political party. The party with the most MPs forms the government.
If no party wins a majority, two parties can form a coalition government.

The House of Commons

The House of Commons is the most important part of Parliament because its members are elected by the people.
The Prime Minister and most of the Cabinet members are also MPs from this House.

Each MP represents a constituency, a small area of the country.
They have several key responsibilities:

• Represent everyone in their constituency
• Help make new laws
• Check and comment on what the government is doing
• Debate important national issues

The House of Lords

Members of the House of Lords are called peers.
They are not elected by the public and do not represent constituencies.
Their role and membership have changed over time.

Changes in the House of Lords

Until 1958, all peers were either:

• Hereditary peers (who inherited their title)
• Senior judges, or
• Bishops of the Church of England

Since 1958, the Prime Minister can nominate life peers, appointed by the monarch.
These people keep their title for their lifetime and often have had important careers in politics, business, law, or other fields.
Leaders of other main political parties and an independent Appointments Commission can also suggest names for life peers.

Since 1999, hereditary peers lost the automatic right to sit in the House of Lords.
Only a small number are now elected by their peers to remain.

Role of the House of Lords

The House of Lords is usually more independent than the House of Commons.
It can suggest amendments or propose new laws, which MPs then discuss.
It checks laws passed by the Commons to ensure they are fit for purpose.
Peers often have expert knowledge, which helps when reviewing laws.
The Lords also hold the government to account, ensuring it acts in the people’s best interests.

Although the House of Commons can overrule the House of Lords, this does not happen often.

The Speaker

The Speaker chairs debates in the House of Commons and is its chief officer.
Even though the Speaker is an MP, they must remain neutral and not represent any political party.
The Speaker is chosen by other MPs in a secret ballot.

The Speaker’s duties include:

• Keeping order during debates
• Ensuring rules are followed
• Guaranteeing the opposition has time to debate its chosen topics
• Representing Parliament on ceremonial occasions

Elections

General Elections

• Held at least every five years
• Used to elect MPs to the House of Commons
• Each constituency elects one MP using the ‘first past the post’ system
  → The candidate with the most votes wins.

If a party wins a majority, it forms the government.
If not, two parties may form a coalition.

By-elections

If an MP dies or resigns, a by-election is held in that constituency to choose a new MP.

Contacting Your Elected Members

All elected representatives must serve and represent their constituents. You can find contact details in your local library or online.

You can contact MPs by:

• Letter or phone at their local office
• Or at the House of Commons, Westminster, London SW1A 0AA
  (Telephone: 020 7129 3000)

Many MPs also hold local surgeries, where people can visit in person to discuss issues.
These are often advertised in local newspapers.

Key Points

• The UK has a parliamentary democracy.
• The country is divided into parliamentary constituencies.
• Voters elect MPs to the House of Commons.
• The party with the majority forms the government; if not, a coalition may form.
• The House of Commons is the main law-making body.
• The House of Lords reviews and suggests changes to laws.
• Peers can be hereditary, bishops, or life peers.
• Since 1999, most hereditary peers lost the right to sit automatically.
• The Speaker manages debates and remains neutral.
• General Elections are held every five years.
• MPs are elected using the first past the post system.
• By-elections occur when an MP dies or resigns.
• Citizens can contact MPs and other representatives directly or at local surgeries.