House of Commons

In both of these countries, the Commons holds much more legislative power than the nominally upper house of parliament.

The House of Commons of the Kingdom of England evolved from an undivided parliament to serve as the voice of the tax-paying subjects of the counties and the boroughs.

Knights of the shire, elected from each county, were usually landowners, while the borough members were often from the merchant classes.

[1] From the Middle Ages until the early 20th century the suffrage was limited in various ways, typically to some male property-owners; in 1780 just 3% of the population could vote.

[2] Since the 19th century, the British and Canadian Houses of Commons have become increasingly representative (see Reform Acts), as suffrage has been extended.