Parlement

Parlement is a representative deliberative body that enacts laws, debates public policy, and supervises the government. It is a central institution in many democratic systems and, in some states, a formal organ within constitutional monarchies and republics. Members are elected or appointed, and many countries have either unicameral or bicameral parlements. Functions typically include drafting and passing legislation, approving the state budget, ratifying treaties, and scrutinizing the executive through debates, inquiries, committees, and votes of confidence or no-confidence. In parliamentary systems, the government is usually formed from the majority in parliament and depends on its support; in presidential systems, the parliament often operates with more independent oversight of the executive.

Parliamentary procedures include plenary sessions for debates and a network of standing and special committees that examine proposed laws and government actions. The lawmaking process generally involves bill proposal, committee review, debate, amendments, and votes in one or both houses, followed by consent or enactment as required by the constitution. Parliaments may also conduct investigations, oversee public administration, and approve international agreements.

The term parlement or parliament appears in many languages and shares a common lineage in medieval assemblies created to deliberate on state matters. Although its exact powers, size, and relationship to the executive vary by country, the core idea is a representative forum that legitimizes law and government through the consent of elected or delegated representatives.