The house of lords

What were the two main groups in the House of Lords in the 19th century?

Lords Spiritual (Bishops of the Church of England) and Lords Temporal (Hereditary aristocrats).

What significant powers did the House of Lords hold in the 19th century?

They controlled local justice, armed forces, and colonial governance.

What criticism did the House of Lords face as democracy expanded?

The hereditary privilege of the Lords drew criticism as the electorate grew.

What major reform was introduced by the Parliament Act of 1911?

It reduced the Lords' power to veto financial bills and replaced their veto on legislation with a two-year delay.

How did the Parliament Act of 1949 change the House of Lords?

It further limited the Lords' delaying power from two years to one.

What was the significance of the Life Peerages Act of 1958?

It introduced life peerages and allowed women into the House of Lords for the first time.

What did the House of Lords Act of 1999 accomplish?

It drastically reduced the number of hereditary peers to 92.

What issue relates to prime ministerial patronage in the House of Lords?

It has led to accusations of cronyism and weakened the Lords’ independence.

Why is the size of the House of Lords a current issue?

The number of peers has grown significantly, undermining its efficiency and credibility.

What fundamental question arises due to the unelected nature of the House of Lords?

Its democratic legitimacy is questioned.

Who was Keir Hardie and what role did he play in British politics?

Hardie was a trade unionist and politician, often regarded as the founder of the Labour Party.

What was the main reason for the foundation of the Labour Party in 1900?

To represent working-class interests in politics.

What democratic milestone was achieved with the Ballot Act of 1872?

Introduction of the secret ballot to reduce electoral corruption and intimidation.

What did the Parliament Act of 1911 establish regarding MPs?

It established the payment of MPs, allowing working-class individuals to serve without financial hardship.

What ongoing role does the House of Lords play in the British political system?

It acts as a check on the government and provides expertise on complex policy issues.

Name one criticism of the House of Lords regarding representation.

Smaller political parties are underrepresented.

What historical function did the House of Lords serve in relation to the monarchy?

It was seen as independent from the monarchy, providing stability by representing church, land, and empire interests.

How did local government affect the power of the House of Lords?

Local government began to take over many functions previously controlled by the Lords.

What socioeconomic change challenged the dominance of the aristocracy in the 19th century?

The emergence of new economic and social classes.

Why is the House of Lords still considered important today?

It provides crucial expertise and acts as a check on government power.