UK Citizenship Practice Test 2026 - Free Citizenship Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary function of the House of Lords is to review and amend legislation. This role is significant in the legislative process; the House of Lords serves as a revising chamber where proposed laws (bills) from the House of Commons can be examined more thoroughly. Members of the House of Lords bring a wealth of experience and expertise, which helps to scrutinize the details of legislation, suggest improvements, and ensure that the laws are well-prepared before they become law.

While all legislative bodies contribute to the law-making process, the House of Lords specifically focuses on refinement and revision rather than the initial drafting of new laws. Drafting new laws is primarily the responsibility of the House of Commons, where elected Members of Parliament (MPs) originate most new legislation.

Electing the Prime Minister is not a function of the House of Lords; this role is fulfilled by the House of Commons, with the leader of the majority party typically assuming the role of Prime Minister. Additionally, while the House of Lords does engage with public issues, its main function is not public representation; that responsibility falls predominantly to the House of Commons, which is directly elected by the public.

Hence, the reviewing and amending of legislation is central to the House of Lords’ purpose