Hereditary peers

Definition

Hereditary peers are individuals who hold titles that are passed down through family lineage and are entitled to sit in the House of Lords, a key component of the UK Parliament. These titles were historically linked to land ownership and nobility, allowing certain families to have a permanent stake in the legislative process. While the House of Lords Act 1999 reduced their numbers significantly, a limited number of hereditary peers remain, retaining some influence over UK governance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Before the House of Lords Act 1999, there were around 700 hereditary peers with the right to sit in the House of Lords.
2. After the 1999 reform, only 92 hereditary peers were allowed to remain in the House of Lords, elected by their fellow hereditary peers.
3. Hereditary peers traditionally inherited their titles from ancestors, which often came with significant estates and political power.
4. The role of hereditary peers has evolved over time, as the House of Lords has shifted towards a more appointed system with life peers dominating the chamber.
5. Hereditary peerages can still be created today by the monarch, but they no longer carry the same political influence they once did.

Review Questions

• How has the role of hereditary peers changed in the context of modern UK governance?
  • The role of hereditary peers has undergone significant transformation due to reforms like the House of Lords Act 1999. Previously, hereditary peers held substantial power within the House of Lords as they could all attend and participate in legislative discussions. Post-reform, only 92 hereditary peers can sit in the chamber, making their influence much less pronounced compared to life peers and appointed members.
• Evaluate the implications of limiting hereditary peers in the House of Lords on UK democracy and representation.
  • Limiting hereditary peers in the House of Lords has implications for democracy and representation by reducing aristocratic influence and promoting a more meritocratic system. This change aims to reflect contemporary values where expertise and public service are prioritized over inherited status. However, some argue that this might undermine historical continuity and reduce diversity in perspectives within legislative debates.
• Assess how the existence of hereditary peers contributes to or detracts from the legitimacy of the House of Lords within the UK parliamentary system.
  • The presence of hereditary peers adds a layer of historical legitimacy to the House of Lords due to their long-standing ties to British history and tradition. However, it can also detract from its legitimacy by creating perceptions that unelected individuals have undue influence over law-making processes. The balance between preserving tradition and adapting to modern democratic principles continues to shape discussions on the future role and function of hereditary peers in UK governance.

Related terms

House of Lords:

The upper chamber of the UK Parliament, consisting of appointed life peers, bishops, and a limited number of hereditary peers.

Life peers: Individuals appointed to the House of Lords for their lifetime, usually recognized for their expertise or service, and do not pass their titles on.

Peerage: The legal system of titles of nobility in the UK, which includes ranks such as duke, marquess, earl, viscount, and baron.