REPRESENTATIVE PEER Meaning and
Definition
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A representative peer refers to a member of the House of Lords in the Parliament of the United Kingdom who is elected by fellow hereditary peers to represent their interests and opinions. This unique position emerged as a result of the reforms introduced by the House of Lords Act 1999, which aimed to significantly reduce the number of hereditary peers serving in the House.
The House of Lords, one of the two chambers of the British Parliament, traditionally consisted of hereditary peers who gained their positions by virtue of their noble titles. With the House of Lords Act 1999, the number of hereditary peers allowed to sit in the House was drastically reduced. However, an exception was made for a small group of 92 hereditary peers, known as representative peers, who retained their right to sit and vote in the House of Lords.
To determine the representative peers from this group, elections are held within their rank. This process involves fellow hereditary peers electing their representatives by secret ballot. The election is conducted by the Clerk of the Parliaments, and the chosen representatives serve as a voice for their fellow hereditary peers in matters of legislation and policy.
While the role of a representative peer in the House of Lords is somewhat diminished compared to the past, it still allows for the continued presence of hereditary peers in the chamber. This ensures that their perspectives and expertise can contribute to the legislative process, even as the House of Lords evolves to include appointed and life peers alongside elected representatives.
Etymology of REPRESENTATIVE PEER
The term "representative peer" originated in the political system of the United Kingdom. The word "representative" comes from the Latin word "representare", which means "to present, exhibit, display, or show". The prefix "re-" indicates "back" or "again", while "praesentare" means "to present or introduce".
The word "peer" has its roots in the Old French word "per", which means "equal". It ultimately derives from the Latin word "par", which means "equal" or "equal in rank". In the context of representative peers, "peer" refers to a member of the nobility or upper class who holds a hereditary title and has the right to sit in the House of Lords.
Therefore, the term "representative peer" refers to individuals who are chosen or elected to represent their peers (nobility or upper class) in the legislative body.
