The House of Lords

Question 1

What are members of the House of Lords known as?

Answer 1

Peers

Question 2

Up to 1958, who could become a peer of the House of Lords?

Answer 2

Hereditary - you inherited the title

Senior judge

Bishop of the Church of England

Question 3

What is a “life peer”?

Answer 3

A peer

nominated by the Prime Minister

but just for their own lifetime

Question 4

How are life peers appointed?

Answer 4

• Nominated by:
  
  • The Prime Minister
  • Leaders of the other main parties
  • an independent Appointments Commission for non-party peers
• Appointed by the Monarch

Question 5

What type of person is usually nominated for life peer?

Answer 5

People who have had important carrers in:

• Politics
• Business
• Law
• or another profession

Question 6

What changed for hereditary peers since 1999?

Answer 6

Lost the automatic right

to the attend the House of Lords

Question 7

What year did hereditary peers lose the automatic right to attend the House of Lords?

Answer 7

20th Century

1999

Question 8

Since 1999, how do hereditary peers get the right to attend the House of Lords?

Answer 8

The hereditary peers

elect a few of their own

to represent them in the House of Lords

Question 9

What is the purpose of the House of Lords?

Answer 9

It can suggest amendments

or propose new laws

It checks laws that have been passed by the House of Commons to ensure they are fit for purpose

It also holds the government to account to make sure that it is working in the best interest of the people

There are peers who are specialists in particular areas; their knowledge is useful in making or checking laws

Question 10

Can the House of Commons overrule decisions made in the House of Lords?

Answer 10

Yes

but this power is not used often