Powers of the House of Commons

This set of flashcards covers the key powers and functions of the House of Commons as outlined in the lecture notes.

What gives the House of Commons its greater power compared to the House of Lords?

The House of Commons has the exclusive right to give consent to taxation and public spending.

What limitation does the House of Lords have regarding money bills?

The Lords can debate money bills but cannot amend or delay them.

What happens if no party has a majority in the House of Commons?

Minor parties can gain more influence unless a coalition is formed.

What agreement did the Democratic Unionist Party have with the Conservatives between 2017 and 2019?

A confidence and supply agreement in exchange for funding for Northern Ireland.

What is 'Parliamentary ping-pong'?

It refers to the process where bills go back and forth between the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

What typically happens when the House of Lords makes amendments to a bill?

The House of Commons can reject those amendments, and the Lords usually backs down.

Can the Government use the Parliament Act, and if so, when?

The Government can use the Parliament Act to force a law through even if the House of Lords does not approve it.