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The House of Lords and life peers

Study note

Members of the House of Lords are known as peers, and they are not elected by the public. Today most of them are life peers, who are appointed for the rest of their lives, often on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. The Lords also includes some senior bishops of the Church of England. Elected MPs sit in the Commons, not in the Lords, so MPs are not members of the Lords.

Although the Lords can examine, suggest changes to and delay laws, it is not the more powerful of the two Houses. The elected House of Commons can overrule the House of Lords, which makes the Commons the stronger chamber. This balance keeps the final say with the elected House. For the test, remember that the Lords is made up of appointed peers and bishops, mostly life peers, and that the Commons can overrule the Lords.

Memory tip: Lords = appointed peers + bishops; mostly life peers; the Commons can overrule them.

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Question 1 of 4

What are most members of the House of Lords today?

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Show all questions and answers for The House of Lords and life peers(4 questions with explanations)

The House of Lords and life peers: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. What are most members of the House of Lords today?

    • Elected MPs
    • Life peers appointed for their lifetime
    • Members chosen by the public
    • Civil servants

    Correct answer: Life peers appointed for their lifetime

    Most members of the Lords are life peers, appointed rather than elected.

  2. 2. Which statement about the two Houses of Parliament is correct?

    • The House of Commons can overrule the House of Lords
    • The House of Lords can always overrule the Commons
    • Both Houses are elected by the public
    • Neither House can change laws

    Correct answer: The House of Commons can overrule the House of Lords

    The elected House of Commons is the more powerful chamber and can overrule the Lords.

  3. 3. Which of these statements is correct?

    • Most members of the House of Lords today are elected MPs
    • Most members of the House of Lords today are life peers

    Correct answer: Most members of the House of Lords today are life peers

    Most members of the Lords are life peers, appointed rather than elected.

  4. 4. Which of these is NOT a type of member of the House of Lords?

    • Appointed peers
    • Senior bishops of the Church of England
    • Elected MPs
    • Life peers

    Correct answer: Elected MPs

    The Lords includes appointed peers, life peers and bishops; MPs sit in the Commons, not the Lords.

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