ABSTRACT
The tasks of government are to formulate and carry out policies, which is its executive function; to frame laws, which is its legislative function and to enforce those laws, which is its judicial function. At the same time, as it grants power to a government to fulfil these functions, society wants to see control exercised over the government so that it does not become too powerful or dictatorial. The leader of the political party which commands a majority in the House of Commons will be invited by the monarch to form a government. The part which the House of Lords can play in improving and refining legislation sent from the Commons is regarded as an important and significant part of its functions. Some of the select committees are permanent features of the life of the House of Commons but with extremely varying functions.
