Superiority Of House of Commons: Define the Events

Historical events:
The supremacy of the House of Commons over the House of Lords in the
United Kingdom is a result of historical developments and constitutional
changes. The process was not marked by a single event but rather evolved over
time. Here are some key historical events and developments that contributed to
the House of Commons becoming superior to the House of Lords:
1. Glorious Revolution (1688): The Glorious Revolution marked a turning
point in English constitutional history. Following the overthrow of King
James II, the Bill of Rights in 1689 was enacted, affirming the supremacy
of Parliament over the monarchy. This event laid the groundwork for the
principle of parliamentary sovereignty, emphasizing the authority of
Parliament, including the elected House of Commons.
2. Reform Acts of the 19th and 20th Centuries : A series of Reform Acts in
the 19th and 20th centuries progressively expanded the franchise and
increased the number of people eligible to vote in elections. These
reforms made the House of Commons more representative of the general
population, enhancing its democratic legitimacy. As the Commons
became more closely tied to the electorate, its authority grew relative to
the unelected House of Lords.
3. Parliament Acts (1911 and 1949): The Parliament Act of 1911 was a
landmark legislative development that curtailed the power of the House
of Lords. It eliminated the Lords' ability to veto money bills and limited
their power to delay other legislation to a maximum of two years. The
Parliament Act of 1949 further reduced the delaying power of the Lords
to one year. These acts significantly enhanced the authority of the elected
Commons in the legislative process.
4. Gradual Shift in Power: Over the centuries, there was a gradual shift in
power from the monarchy and the House of Lords to the elected House of
Commons. The Commons became more representative of the people,
with members elected by the public. This democratic legitimacy
increased the authority of the Commons in the eyes of the public and
further solidified its role as the primary legislative body.
5. Constitutional Conventions: Over time, various constitutional
conventions emerged, shaping the behavior of both houses of Parliament.
One crucial convention is that the House of Lords does not oppose the
will of the Commons on financial matters, emphasizing the Commons'
control over taxation and public expenditure. Additionally, there is a
 convention that the Lords generally respect the manifesto commitments
of the governing party in the Commons.
While there isn't a single defining event, these historical developments
collectively shaped the constitutional landscape, reinforcing the supremacy of
the House of Commons in the UK parliamentary system. It's important to
recognize that the relationship between the two houses continues to evolve,
influenced by legal changes, constitutional conventions, and broader societal
and political shifts.
Current Events:
The House of Commons, as part of the Parliament in the United Kingdom and
some other countries with a similar parliamentary system, is considered superior
to the House of Lords in several key respects. Here are some aspects of its
superiority:
1. Democratic Legitimacy: Members of the House of Commons, also
known as Members of Parliament (MPs), are elected by the public in
general elections. This means that the House of Commons is directly
accountable to the people, making it more democratic in nature. In
contrast, members of the House of Lords are not elected; they are
appointed or inherit their positions.
2. Financial Control: The House of Commons has the "power of the purse,"
meaning it controls public spending and taxation. The government must
obtain the approval of the Commons for its budget and financial
proposals. This control over finances gives the House of Commons
significant influence over the executive branch.
3. Policy Initiatives: The government is formed by the political party (or
coalition) that has the most seats in the House of Commons. This gives
the Commons the ability to shape and influence government policies. The
House of Lords can suggest amendments and delay legislation, but it
cannot ultimately prevent bills passed by the Commons from becoming
law.
4. Shorter Terms: Members of the House of Commons are elected for
relatively short terms (usually five years in the UK). This short-term
nature ensures that the House of Commons remains responsive to
changing public opinion and needs. In contrast, members of the House of
Lords often hold their positions for life.
5. Constitutional Precedent: The principle of parliamentary sovereignty
asserts that Parliament, and by extension the House of Commons, is the
 supreme legal authority. This means that laws passed by the House of
Commons cannot be overturned by the House of Lords or any other body.
It's important to note that the House of Lords plays a valuable role in the
legislative process by providing expertise, revising legislation, and acting as a
revising chamber. However, the House of Commons, with its democratic
mandate and control over key aspects of governance, is generally considered the
superior house in the UK and similar parliamentary systems.
CONCLUSION:
Summary of Key Achievements:
The House of Commons stands as a beacon of democratic representation,
holding the distinct position of being directly elected by the people.
Its legislative prowess empowers it to shape and enact laws, reflecting the
collective will of the electorate.
Crucial Role in Executive Oversight:
Through its role in forming the government and subsequent executive
accountability, the House of Commons ensures transparency and responsiveness
in governance.
Regular questioning and scrutiny underscore its commitment to holding the
executive branch to account.
Financial Stewardship and Power of the Purse:
The House of Commons exercises a pivotal role in financial matters, wielding
the power of the purse and approving government budgets.
This financial control ensures responsible governance and aligns spending with
the priorities of the citizens.
Instrument of Political Stability:
The ability to pass votes of no confidence and trigger government resignations
underscores the House of Commons as a powerful instrument for maintaining
political stability.
This mechanism ensures that the government is always mindful of the will of
the people and the confidence of their elected representatives.
Commitment to Scrutiny and Oversight:
The committee system, deeply embedded within the House of Commons, plays
a critical role in scrutinizing policies, examining legislation, and investigating
matters of national importance.
This commitment to robust scrutiny enhances the overall effectiveness and
accountability of the parliamentary system.
Historical Significance and Constitutional Pillar:
With deep-rooted historical precedents, such as the Glorious Revolution of
1688, the House of Commons has evolved into a constitutional pillar.
Its resilience and adaptability have contributed significantly to the enduring
strength of the UK's political system.
Final Thoughts:
The House of Commons, with its democratic mandate, legislative authority, and
historical significance, stands not only as the beating heart of the UK Parliament
but as a symbol of the nation's commitment to representative democracy.
As we reflect on its multifaceted role, let us appreciate the enduring superiority
of the House of Commons in shaping the political landscape of the United
Kingdom.