Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Hereditary peers are individuals who hold a position in the legislative system based on inheritance. They have the right to participate and vote in the legislature due to their noble lineage, typically passed down through generations.
These are individuals who are appointed to the legislature for life due to their exceptional contributions or achievements in various fields.
Elected Members: These are individuals who gain a seat in the legislative system through an election process where citizens vote for their preferred representatives.
Upper House: This refers to the chamber of a bicameral legislature that usually includes hereditary peers and/or other appointed members.