student asking question

What's the difference between "House of Commons" and "House of Lords"? Does the word lord refer to aristocrats?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

The House of Commons is made up of members who have been voted for by the public. The UK is divided into regions and each one has a Member of Parliament (MP) who represents that region, these Maps are voted for and sit in the House of Commons. The House of Commons is responsible for making decisions about money, laws, etc. The House of Lords is very big and is made up of around 780 members who are not voted for by the public. Some of them inherit their status as a Lord from their family. There are about 92 inherited members currently in the House of Lords. These are not "aristocratic" in any way. The term "Lord" is simply a title. Other members are specially chosen by the Prime Minister because they are experts in their field. Usually the Prime Minister recommends that someone, and the Queen appoints them. The House of Lords debates new laws proposed by MPs in the House of Commons, and makes suggestions about changes to those laws. If they suggest changes, the law then goes back to the House of Commons where MPs discuss the changes. When both Houses agree on the law, the Queen then approves it. Ex: My father was in the House of Lords so I will inherit his position. Ex: The new MP will be busy dealing with his duties in the House of Commons.

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