Sorry, yes I was slightly unclear in my response. (I've moved the paragraph to make it clearer)
The House of Lords in the UK is a mix of hereditary and life time peers nominated by the govt.
The House of Lords has limited powers (I think can veto or suggest amendments to a bill only once before the house of commons can force it through) and it is a archaic institution that we have kept, I guess it adds an extra check or balance to the elected representatives.