What role does the House of Commons play in UK politics?

The House of Commons plays a pivotal role in UK politics primarily through its responsibility to draft and propose legislation. As the lower house of Parliament, its members, known as Members of Parliament (MPs), are directly elected by the public in general elections. This democratic basis gives the House of Commons significant legitimacy and allows it to represent the interests and needs of the electorate within the legislative process.

When it comes to lawmaking, the House of Commons is where most legislative proposals start. MPs can introduce bills, which are then debated and scrutinized by their peers. This includes reviewing the proposed legislation for its implications, benefits, and potential drawbacks before it can proceed to a vote. If a bill is approved by a majority in the House of Commons, it moves to the House of Lords for further consideration. Ultimately, both houses must agree on the final form of any legislation before it receives Royal Assent from the monarch, at which point it becomes law.

In contrast, while the monarchy has ceremonial roles and the government implements policies, neither the monarchy nor the executive functions of the government are involved in the direct drafting of legislation. Judicial reviews, which are conducted by courts, involve assessing the legality of government actions and legislation but are not part of the legislative process itself