Parliaments

A parliament is a formal assembly with the authority to legislate, deliberate, and oversee the government. It typically comprises representatives chosen by citizens or appointed members who debate, amend, and pass laws, scrutinize policy, and oversee public finances. In many systems parliaments act as the chief democratic forum for public debate and as a check on executive power.

Structure and types: Most modern parliaments are bicameral, featuring an elected lower house and an upper house that may represent regions, social groups, or be appointed. Some parliaments are unicameral. Examples include the United Kingdom Parliament (House of Commons and House of Lords), Canada (House of Commons and Senate), India (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha), and Germany (Bundestag and Bundesrat). The relative powers of each chamber influence the legislative process, including how easily bills are amended or blocked.

Functions and processes: Core functions include drafting and passing legislation, debating national issues, approving budgets, and monitoring government policies and administration. Parliaments use committees to examine proposals in detail, hold inquiries, and question ministers. Most laws require a formal assent by an appropriate authority (such as a monarch, president, or equivalent) after approval by the parliament.

Relationship to the executive: In parliamentary systems the government commands the confidence of the majority within parliament and can be dismissed by it. In presidential systems the legislature and president are usually separate, with different mechanisms for accountability. Parliaments may be dissolved or prorogued in certain constitutional contexts, and terms are often fixed or subject to early elections.

Historical note: Parliaments evolved from medieval assemblies in Europe and spread worldwide, adapting to diverse constitutional arrangements. They remain central to representative government, balancing lawmaking, accountability, and governance.