9.2.1 The exclusive powers of the House of Commons.

Exclusive Powers of the House of Commons

The House of Commons holds several exclusive powers that distinguish it from the House of Lords.

These powers ensure that the elected chamber retains primary control over significant aspects of governance, reflecting its democratic legitimacy.

1. Financial Control

1.1. Introduction of Money Bills:

• Only the House of Commons can introduce Money Bills, which concern national taxation and public expenditure.

1.2. Control of Public Spending:

• The Commons has exclusive control over public spending and the allocation of government funds.

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2. Legislation Initiation and Dominance

2.1. Primacy in Legislative Process:

• While both houses participate in the legislative process, the Commons has primacy. Bills can start in either house, but Money Bills and Supply Bills must originate in the Commons.

2.2. Rejection and Amendments:

• The Commons can reject any amendments made by the Lords to bills. If the Lords persist with amendments, the Commons can invoke the Parliament Acts to ensure the bill becomes law without the Lords' consent.

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3. Government Formation and Confidence

3.1. Government Formation:

• The government must command the confidence of the House of Commons to remain in power. The Prime Minister is usually the leader of the party with the majority in the Commons.

3.2. Votes of Confidence and No Confidence:

• The Commons holds the exclusive power to pass votes of confidence or no confidence, determining the government's survival.

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4. Electoral Legitimacy and Political Accountability

4.1. Democratic Mandate:

• The Commons is the elected body, providing it with a direct mandate from the electorate. This democratic legitimacy underpins its exclusive powers and primary legislative role.

4.2. Political Accountability:

• Ministers are accountable to the Commons, where they must regularly answer questions and provide statements on government policies and actions.

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5. Exclusive Legislative Procedures

5.1. The Speaker's Certification:

• The Speaker of the House of Commons has the exclusive power to certify bills as Money Bills, ensuring they are processed under the appropriate legislative procedures.

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Conclusion

The exclusive powers of the House of Commons ensure it remains the central legislative and governing body in the UK Parliament. These powers, grounded in democratic legitimacy, enable the Commons to control financial matters, initiate key legislation, form and sustain the government, and hold the executive to account.