The English Constitution · Chapter
The House of Commons explained
This chapter examines the House of Commons, arguing that its primary function is not legislation but the election and dismissal of the executive (the Cabinet), which it treats as an electoral chamber.
What happens
This chapter examines the House of Commons, arguing that its primary function is not legislation but the election and dismissal of the executive (the Cabinet), which it treats as an electoral chamber. Bagehot contrasts this real function with the traditional dignified view, discusses the expressive and legislative roles of the House, and analyzes how its organization—especially party government—enables it to govern effectively despite being a large public meeting. He also critiques the overrepresentation of the landed interest and the defects in legislative procedure.
Themes in this chapter
Cabinet Government and Parliamentary Sovereignty
The chapter emphasizes that the House of Commons' real function is to elect and dismiss the Cabinet, making it the sovereign electoral body that chooses the executive.
Dignified vs. Efficient Parts of Government
Bagehot distinguishes the dignified aspect of the House of Commons (its stately appearance) from its efficient use (selecting and controlling the government).
Social Class and Deference
The chapter discusses the overrepresentation of the landed gentry in Parliament and their influence on legislation, such as the Cattle Plague Act, reflecting class-based power.
Functions of Parliament
Bagehot outlines the elective, expressive, legislative, and teaching functions of the House of Commons, with a focus on the elective function as paramount.
Characters to notice
- Lord Lyndhurst
Cited as a critic who used to recount the small legislative achievements of Parliament, missing its primary function of maintaining the executive.
- Lord Eldon
Quoted for his remark that if he had to begin life again he would begin as an agitator, illustrating past discontent with Parliament.
- Mr. Lincoln
Mentioned as an example of a U.S. president chosen by the electoral college, contrasted with the House of Commons' real power to select and dismiss the premier.
- Lord Aberdeen
Referenced as a premier whom the House of Commons initially supported but could later oust, demonstrating the House's power of dismissal.
- Lord Palmerston
Mentioned similarly to Lord Aberdeen as an example of a premier subject to the House's power of dismissal.
- Bolingbroke
Noted as an orator who attacked party government, knowing it was vital to the power of the Commons.
- Lord Brougham
Mentioned as another orator who attacked party government, but without understanding that it is essential to Parliamentary government.
Key passages
“The House of Commons is an electoral chamber; it is the assembly which chooses our president.”
The House of Commons functions primarily as a body that elects the prime minister, similar to how an electoral college chooses a president.
Bagehot redefines the Commons' main role as selecting the executive, not just legislating.
“The whole life of English politics is the action and reaction between the Ministry and the Parliament.”
English politics consists entirely of the dynamic interplay between the cabinet and the House of Commons.
This captures the core relationship in cabinet government.
“Government by a public meeting is the oddest form of government.”
Being ruled by a large, changing assembly like the House of Commons is the strangest possible system of governance.
Bagehot highlights the paradox of how a large, seemingly chaotic body can govern effectively.
“The key to the difficulties of most discussed and unsettled questions is commonly in their undiscussed parts.”
The solution to many debated problems lies in the aspects that are usually taken for granted and not examined.
Bagehot uses this insight to argue that the organization of the House of Commons is the overlooked key to its success.
