The British Parliament How it operates

Bicameral Upper House: House of Lords  Originally co-equal except in money matters  Now a chamber of review: Can delay – important if gov’t wants bill passed Can also examine selected measures in greater detail

Bases of appointment Originally a hereditary body  After WWII, supplemented by life peers Following Blair reforms (phase I of an incomplete reform), largely appointed Fuses powers  Law Lords – Highest Court  Bishops of Church of England Also cross-bench peers (non-partisan)

House of Commons Lower House 659 members An adversarial body  Dominated by relations betweens gov’t & opposition Effectively organized by parties  impossible to understand without reference to them

Distribution of seats Labour Cons Lib-Dem285262

Where the action is Committees:  Standing & Select Within each caucus:  Front bench v. backbench On the floor:  Question period Debate

Maintaining cohesion Complex process: Whip system  Chief Whip & deputy whips Rewards and punishment?  Prospect of advancement?  Threat of removal of the whip?  Threat of dissolution? MP’s job? The ‘payroll’ vote & collective responsibility

A closer look Prime Minister  Cabinet  Government Ministers without cabinet rank Parliamentary Private Secretaries Backbench

The distribution of power Prime Minister? Cabinet? Backbench? Changing patterns of discipline  Suppressing dissent  Tolerating dissent