Great Britain History: Parliament

[irmamar]

I'd like to know if I have understood the British Parliament (I'm talking from 5th to 19th centuries):

The Parliament was divided into the Lords and the House of Commons. The Lords were an elite, while the members of the Commons were elected (were the Lords elected? ).

(My book doesn't explain the composition of the Parliament, that's what I can extract ).

Thanks.

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by irmamar

I'd like to know if I have understood the British Parliament (I'm talking from 5th to 19th centuries):

The Parliament was divided into the Lords and the House of Commons. The Lords were an elite, while the members of the Commons were elected (were the Lords elected? ).

I'm afraid this is true. A Lord can be an inherited title, and is not elected. These days it is a dustbin for politicians who are too old to be of any use, even if they had been at one time. Also, believe it or not, Bishops of the Church of England also sit in the Lords. Although the UK is supposed to be a democratic monarchy, the House of Lords is an infuriating undemocratic fossil.

Just my opinion, of course.

[irmamar]

Do you mean that nowadays democracy doesn't exist yet in that institution?, that they are still inheriting the seat? I didn't know it.

But I'm not surprised, I have a king in my country (por obra y gracia de Dios ).

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by irmamar

Do you mean that nowadays that institution has not democracy yet?, that they are still inheriting the seat? I didn't know it.

Yes, still today, although there have been many reforms, there are still some lords in the Lords who have inherited their seats. AND BISHOPS. It is a DISGRACE . On the other hand, the Lords have very little political power.

[vita32]

Originally Posted by Perikles

I'm afraid this is true. A Lord can be an inherited title, and is not elected. These days it is a dustbin for politicians who are too old to be of any use, even if they had been at one time. Also, believe it or not, Bishops of the Church of England also sit in the Lords. Although the UK is supposed to be a democratic monarchy, the House of Lords is an infuriating undemocratic fossil.

Just my opinion, of course.

Do all these officials (Lords and members of House of commons) receive salary? I just wonder because, there seem to be too many!

Thanks.

[irmamar]

I don't have any doubt.

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by vita32

Do all these officials (Lords and members of House of commons) receive salary? I just wonder because, there seem to be too many!

Thanks.

Yes - here seems to be a good summary I think the Lords only get a salary if they are actually doing something.