House of Commons facts for kids
The House of Commons is an important part of the government in several countries, especially those connected to the Commonwealth of Nations. It's usually the "lower house" of a parliament, which is where elected representatives meet to make laws and discuss important issues for their country.
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What is the House of Commons?
The House of Commons is the name given to the main elected body in the parliaments of countries like the United Kingdom and Canada. Think of it as a big meeting place where people chosen by citizens come together to represent them. These elected people are often called Members of Parliament, or MPs.
How Parliaments Work
Many countries have a system of government called a parliamentary system. In this system, the parliament is usually made up of two parts, or "houses." One is often called the "lower house," and the other is the "upper house." The House of Commons is almost always the lower house.
The lower house is usually the more powerful of the two. This is because its members are directly elected by the public. This means they are chosen by the people they represent in elections. The government of the country is usually formed by the political party that wins the most seats in the lower house.
The Role of the House of Commons
The main job of the House of Commons is to make and change laws for the country. When a new law is proposed, it's called a "bill." Members of the House of Commons debate these bills, suggest changes, and then vote on them. If a bill passes in both houses of parliament and gets approval from the head of state (like the King or Queen, or their representative), it becomes a law.
Besides making laws, the House of Commons also:
- Holds the government accountable: Members can ask questions to government ministers about their decisions and policies.
- Debates important issues: They discuss big national and international topics that affect the country.
- Approves spending: The government needs the House of Commons' permission to collect taxes and spend public money.
House of Commons in the United Kingdom
The House of Commons of the United Kingdom is located in the Palace of Westminster in London. It has 650 Members of Parliament (MPs), each representing a specific area of the UK called a "constituency." People in each constituency vote to elect their MP.
Making Laws in the UK
When MPs meet in the House of Commons chamber, they sit on long green benches. The Speaker, who is an MP chosen by other MPs, leads the debates and makes sure rules are followed. The party with the most MPs usually forms the government, and its leader becomes the Prime Minister. The other parties form the opposition, whose job is to challenge the government and offer alternative ideas.
House of Commons in Canada
The House of Commons of Canada is located on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. It has 338 Members of Parliament (MPs), who are elected by Canadians from different areas across the country. Like in the UK, the Canadian House of Commons is where new laws are proposed, debated, and voted on.
How Laws are Made in Canada
In Canada, the MPs in the House of Commons also sit on benches, but they are red. The Speaker of the House of Commons guides the discussions. The party that wins the most seats in a general election usually forms the government, and its leader becomes the Prime Minister. The House of Commons plays a central role in shaping Canada's laws and policies.
Historical Houses of Commons
While the UK and Canada have active Houses of Commons today, some historical ones no longer exist:
- The House of Commons of Southern Ireland (1921-1922)
- The House of Commons of Northern Ireland (1921-1971)
These were important parts of their respective governments during their time.
Images for kids
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The Irish House of Commons was the first purpose-built House of Commons chamber in the world. Painted around 1780.
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The British House of Commons chamber in London.
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The Canadian House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
See also
In Spanish: Cámara de los Comunes para niños
