House of Lords (Albia)
House of Lords | |
|---|---|
| Type | |
| Type | Upper House of Parliament of Albia |
| History | |
| Founded | 12 June 2022 |
| Leadership | |
House Leader | Vacant |
| Constitution | |
| Constitution of Albia | |
The House of Lords, sometime referred to as the House of Peers, is the upper house of the Parliament of Albia. Membership is by appointment, with all members being appointed by the monarch.
The House of Lords scrutinises bills that have been approved by the House of Assembly. It regularly reviews and amends bills from the lower house.
The King's Speech is delivered in the House of Lords during the State Opening of Parliament.
History
The House of Lords is the older house of the Parliament of Albia. It was established under the directive of Luke I of Albia on 12 June 2022.
Functions
Legislative Functions
Legislation, with the exception of money bills, may be introduced in either House.
The House of Lords debates legislation, and has power to amend or reject bills. Typically a bill will be proposed in the House of Assembly and if it achieves 2/3 of the votes it will be proposed to the House of Lords, who will then debate, amend, pass or reject the bill. If the bill passes the House of Lords then it goes to the Monarch for royal ascent.
If a bill is rejected the House of Lords will return it to the House of Assembly with any proposed amendments, if any have been proposed.
Relationship with the Government
The House of Lords does not control the term of the prime minister or of the government. However, sometimes the House of Lords is left to form the government and nominate a Prime Minister when the monarch doesn't call the House of Assembly.
Membership
All members of the House of Lords fall into one of two categories. They are all appointed to sit in the house by the Monarch of Albia.
Lords Spiritual
Members of the House of Lords who sit by virtue of their ecclesiastical offices are known as Lords Spiritual. Lords Spiritual are typically high-ranking officials from the Church of Albia, however may be appointed from other religious institutions. The Monarch also tries to appoint members from other religious communities in Albia, not exclusively from the Christian community, and typically tries to appoint at least one senior Rabbi and one senior Imam or other senior member of the Muslim community.
Lords Temporal
Members of the House of Lords who sit by virtue of noble status are known as Lords Temporal. Lords Temporal are typically hereditary peers from throughout the Kingdom and are appointed for their range of knowledge and to represent the people who belong to the areas their peerage rules.
Lords Temporal are permitted to be appointed to Cabinet and in some instances may be appointed as Prime Minister of Albia.