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
The House of Commons is the lower house of the British Parliament and other parliamentary systems. It is composed of elected representatives who debate and pass laws.
Related terms
Upper house (House of Lords): This is the second chamber in the British Parliament, consisting mainly of appointed members who provide expertise and review legislation proposed by the House of Commons.
Parliamentary sovereignty: This refers to the principle that parliament has supreme authority over lawmaking within its jurisdiction.
Speaker: The Speaker is an impartial officer who presides over debates in legislative bodies such as the House of Commons, ensuring fair procedures and maintaining order.