Limitations on the Power of the Lords

The main legislative function of the non-elected House of Lords is to act as a revising chamber, complementing but not rivaling the elected House of Commons. As a result, it has some limitations on its powers.

Most Government Bills are introduced and passed in the Lords through the Commons without difficulty, but a Lords Bill unacceptable to the Commons would normally be amended before it became law. The Lords, on the other hand, do not usually prevent Bills from being enacted which the Commons are keen to pass, although they will often amend and return them to the Commons for further consideration.

The Lords pass Bills authorizing taxation or national expenditure without amendment as a formality. A Bill which deals only with taxation or expenditure must become law within one month of being sent to the Lords, whether or not the Lords agrees to it, unless the Commons directs otherwise. If no agreement is reached between the two Houses on a non-financial Commons Bill, the Lords can delay the Bill for a period which, in practice, amounts to at least 13 months. Following this the Bill may be presented to the Queen for Royal Assent, provided it has been passed in the current session and previous session by the Commons. There is one important exception: any Bill to lengthen the life of a Parliament needs the full assent of both Houses.

1. Match the words with their definitions .Make up sentences with them.

Revise, amend, enact, delay, rival, expenditure

1. make smth happen at a later time;

2. compete with;

3. spending money;

4. review, reconsider;

5. pass a law;

6. change, correct, improve

2. What is the main function of the House of Lords?

Do the Lords have powers to delay and amend bills?

Prime Minister

The Prime Minister is also, by tradition, First Lord of the Treasury and Minister for the Civil Service. The Prime Minister's unique position of authority comes from majority support in the House of Commons and from the power to appoint and dismiss ministers, by modern convention, the Prime Minister always sits in the Commons.

The Prime Minister presides over the Cabinet, is responsible for allocating functions among ministers and, at regular meetings with the Queen, informs her of the general business of the Government.

The Prime Minister's other responsibilities include recommending a number of appointments to the Queen. The Prime Minister's Office supports him in his role as head of government. This includes providing, policy advice, tracking the delivery of government commitments and initiatives, and ensuring effective communications to Parliament, the media and the public. Following the 2001 General Election, several new units, including the Delivery Unit, the Forward Strategy Unit and the Office of Public Services Reform, have been set up within the Cabinet Office to assist the Prime Minister in these tasks.

1. Answer the questions.

1. What support does the Prime Minister get?

2. What’s the role of the Prime Minister’s Office?

3. Name the functions of the Prime Minister.