Home / Summaries / Britain - for Learners of English / lords-life-house

Elections - The House of Lords

9 important questions on Elections - The House of Lords

What does the House of Lords do?

It has no real power and only limited influence. They have a consultative role. They can delay a bill, but they cannot stop it becomming a law. Bills can be discussed in more detail, so irregularities and  inconsistencies can be found in a proposal. The Lords can act as a forum for discussion and can bring to attention matters the commons has been ignoring and also the Lords can act as a check on any government which are becoming too dictatorial.

What is a hereditary peer?

It is a member of the House of Lords who got his membership by hereditary right, so inherited from a parent. Until 1958 all of the Lords were aristocrats but then a law was passed, which made it possible to award life peerages through the honours system. This gave people entitlement to sit in the Lords but not the children of these people. Nowadays only a small portion af the Lords are there by hereditary right.

What are 'life peerages'?

Until 1958, all members of the House of Lords were aristocrats. Then, a law was passed which made it possible to award 'life peerages' through the honours system. These gave people entitlement to sit in the Lords, but not their children. During the second half of the 20th century, the life peerage system established itself as a means of finding a place in public life for distinguished older politicians who no longer wished to be busy as an MP in the Commons but still wished to voice their opinions in a public forum.
  • Higher grades + faster learning
  • Never study anything twice
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Discover Study Smart
Testimonial person
Sophia
Law student
Quotes

For my 1st exam I got a C. Then, I started looking for ways to learn better and I came across Study Smart. Since then I have scored a A+, A, A- and another A. I highly recommend it to everyone who wants to hear it. I am so happy with it!!

Testimonial person
John
Economics Student
Quotes

I was struggling to finish all my first-year subjects for 3 years. Then I discovered Study Smart, which helped me to finish all of them within 3 months.

Testimonial person
Sara
Public Administration Student
Quotes

Because of StudySmart, things are going well in many ways. Before, I always had study stress and no time for anything. Now I feel calm and confident (because of the program). I used to score a B, now I usually score an A or A+.

Testimonial person
Mary
Business Student
Quotes

Hey Chris, I really want to thank you very much for developing the platform, I usually got around C for my exams, now I scored an A+, an A and a A- !!

Testimonial person
Melanie
Psychology Student
Quotes

Since using Study Smart, my average has increased significantly. I even completed a statistics course with a A+ while I'm bad at statistics. I took on extra courses this year, because of Study Smart. Thanks so much!

Testimonial person
Jane
Nursing Studies
Quotes

Ever since I started studying with StudySmart I passed all my exams !!! No more re-sits!! At first, I was happy with a pass and now I only get good grades. Many thanks!

Testimonial person
Rose
Political Science Student
Quotes

I aced all the courses I studied with Study Smart. For law, I first scored a D, and now an A! I’m 100% sure that I’ll pass all the courses I study with Study Smart.

Testimonial person
Tina
Medicine Student
Quotes

I always thought I studied well. My grades were fine. I could never have imagined that applying these study skills would have such a huge and direct impact on my grades, my speed and the pleasure I have in learning.

Testimonial person
Julie
Marketing Student
Quotes

For the first time, I finally feel totally confident about the way I learn. I have the perfect overview and make great progress in terms of speed and the grades I get. Thanks, Chris!

Testimonial person
Matt
Industrial Engineering Student
Quotes

I immediately started to enjoy learning again, and my grades soared. All of a sudden, everything went better. I highly recommend Study Smart to all students..

Testimonial person
Emma
Law Student
Quotes

Being able to create my materials online made the process of studying so much smoother and quicker. I no longer have to spend a huge amount of my time on creating my summaries.

Testimonial person
Michael
Psychology Student
Quotes

At first, my notes were a mess. Now I use Study Smart to take my notes in a perfectly structured way. It helps me to save a lot of time and do other things I enjoy.

Testimonial person
Emily
Teacher
Quotes

Students that study with Study Smart get better grades. The system applies all the learning methods in such a way that both well-performing students and students who struggle perform much better.

Testimonial person
Richard
Literature Student
Quotes

Hi Chris, I would like to thank you very much. Last year I scored C on a course, and this year I got an A+ thanks to your method! Thank you very much!

Testimonial person
Madison
Parent
Quotes

The largest effect is that my child is more enthusiastic about school! Every parent wants their children to be happy at school, Study Smart made it happen.

Testimonial person
Robert
Accountant Student
Quotes

In high school, I failed several exams, and that has really changed now. I actually needed this tool very much back then. Since I started studying with StudySmart, I haven't had any D's. My average score is now an A and those are results I would have never had in the past

Testimonial person
James
Business and Science Student
Quotes

With my old method, I passed only 3 out of 8 courses. Since I started taking my notes digitally in Study Smart, I have passed all my courses on the first try. For me, StudySmart takes away the stress of wondering if I will pass or not.

Testimonial person
Christopher
Veterinarian Student
Quotes

Thanks to StudySmart, I passed all my exams, and with better grades than before! On top of that, I have mastered a very good study method now, which I am confident will help me earn my degree.

What does 'being kicked upstairs' mean?

It means that political parties offer life peerage to old leaders, so they can be rewarded with prestige and removed from the Commons, where their status and reputation might otherwise create trouble for the present party leader and the party unity. Four out of six PM and hundreds of former ministers have accepted the offer of a life peerage.

What is the difference between the Lords Spiritual and the Lords Temporal?

The Lords Spiritual are made up of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, the Bishops of London, Durham and Winchester as well as specific bishops of the Church of England. 

The Lords Temporal are made up of hereditary Peers elected under Standing Orders, life Peers, Law Lords, the Earl Marshal and the Lord Great Chamberlain.

How can you enter the House of Lords?

1. Recommended by the PM
2. Recommended by a political party
3. Recommended by the House of Lords Appointment Commission

What are the Law Lords and the Lords Spiritual?

  • The Law Lords who fulfilled the role of a final court of appeal in the country. This role was taken over by the Supreme court in 2009.
  • The Lords Spiritual are the 26 most senior bishops of the Church of England  ( by traditio, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York are given life peerage on their retirement)

Who or what is 'Black Rod' ?

He is a servant of the Queen, who, at the State opening of Parliament, traditionally knocks on the door of the House of Commons demanding them to let the Queen in. The Commons refuse as always. Instead the MP's agree to come through to the House of Lords to listen to the monarch in there. The tradition comes from the seventeenth century when Charles I once burst into the House of Commons and tried to arrest some MP's.

Describe the result of the 1999 reform of the House of Lords.

In that year the number of aristocrats with the right to sit in the Lords was limited to 92 (about 15% of the total members). At the same time the numbers of life-peerage appointments was increased.

Try our study magic for free

a PDF, study it super fast
  • No sign up, email or credit card needed!
  • AI makes unlimited flashcards
  • Get unlimited quizzes and tests
  • Ask AI anything
Create a notebook
  • No sign up, email or credit card needed!
  • Have and keep perfect overview
  • Make flashcards, notes and mind maps
  • Review, test and score!

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

Britain - for Learners of English | 9780194306447 | James O'Driscoll

View summary
  • A unique study and practice tool
  • Never study anything twice again
  • Get the grades you hope for
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Remember faster, study better. Scientifically proven.
Trustpilot Logo

Summaries related to Country and peolple - The Four Nations