Parliament

Parliament is a legislative body of government responsible for making laws, representing the public, and overseeing the state. In most democracies, parliaments are composed of elected representatives who debate and vote on proposed laws, budgets, and national policies. They also scrutinize the actions of the government through questions, debates, inquiries, and committee work, providing accountability and legitimacy for public decisions.

Parliaments vary in structure. Some are bicameral, with two chambers, while others are unicameral. Examples include parliamentary systems that feature two houses in some form and a single chamber in others. In many countries the legislature is called a parliament; elsewhere a congress or national assembly serves a similar role.

Functions commonly include passing laws, approving budgets, and providing oversight of the government. Parliaments consider proposed legislation, debate policies, and examine government actions through committees, debates, and inquiries. They also represent regional or constituent interests and set broad political agendas.

Membership and leadership differ by country. Members are usually elected for fixed terms, and the presiding officer (such as a speaker or president) oversees proceedings. Parliaments operate in sessions, during which members debate, amend, and vote on legislation, and through committees they study bills in more depth and hear witnesses.

Historically, parliaments developed from advisory bodies in medieval monarchies and evolved into representative institutions in constitutional regimes. They are central to systems that separate powers, balance executive authority, and provide a forum for public debate and accountability.