British House of Commons

The House of Commons is the lower house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, and is now the dominant branch of Parliament. Parliament also includes the Sovereign and the upper house, the House of Lords. The House of Commons is a democratically elected body, consisting of 646 members, who are known as "Members of Parliament" or "MPs." Members are elected by the first past the post system of election for limited terms, holding office until Parliament is dissolved (a maximum of five years). Each member is elected by, and represents, an electoral district known as a constituency. The House of Commons is the source of the vast majority of government ministers and, since 1963, every Prime Minister.

Current composition

• Main article: MPs elected in the UK general election, 2005
• Party Comparison: Party Standings in the British House of Commons

? Sinn Féin does not take its seats in Parliament because of their refusal to take the oath, which involves acknowledging the Queen.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~