House of Commons

House of Commens

London, England

The House of Commons, also called the Commons, is the popularly elected legislative body of the bicameral British Parliament. The House of Lords is the other body of the British government, though the term "Parliament" is often used to refer solely to the House of Commons. Its origins date from the 1250s, when property owners began sending representatives to Parliament to present grievances and petitons to the king. These representatives, mostly knights and burgesses (or commoners) started to meet in a chamber separate from the one used by nobles and high clergy (the lords). The House of Commons was initially less powerful than that of the Lords, but its powers have gradually increased over time. It is the legislative authority in Great Britain with the power to originate laws, impose taxes, and vote subsidies; its acts are not subject to judicial review.

"House of Commons, British Government." Encylopedia Britannica. http://www.search.eb.com/EBchecked/topic/128885/House-of-Commons.