The **House of Commons** is the elected lower chamber of the United Kingdom's Parliament, consisting of 650 Members of Parliament (MPs), each representing a UK constituency. It serves as the primary legislative authority, responsible for debating, amending, and passing laws, particularly those related to taxation and public spending, which only it can initiate. The House also holds the Government accountable through questioning, debates, and oversight functions[2][3][5]. Historically evolving from medieval councils, the House of Commons gained supremacy over the aristocratic House of Lords through statutes like the Parliament Acts of the 20th century, which limit the Lords’ power to delay legislation, especially money bills. The monarch’s role is largely ceremonial, with Royal Assent given almost automatically to bills passed by the Commons. The Prime Minister, who leads the Government, must be an MP, and the ruling party forms the cabinet from Commons members[2][5][6]. Key functions of the House of Commons include: - **Legislation**: Initiating and passing laws, particularly financial legislation, which the House of Lords cannot block or amend significantly[2][5]. - **Government oversight**: Questioning ministers and scrutinizing government policies and expenditures[3]. - **Representation**: MPs represent the interests of their constituents, balancing local and national concerns[1][4]. The Speaker, elected by MPs, moderates debates and ensures orderly conduct, voting only to break ties, typically in favor of maintaining the status quo[2]. Notable is the House's role in shaping modern British governance by enabling democratic representation and accountability in a constitutional monarchy. Its procedures and powers make it a key institution for understanding UK politics, business regulations, and policy developments, particularly relevant for those interested in how government actions affect economic and technological sectors[3][7].