parlamentul

Parlamentul is the supreme legislative body in many democracies, responsible for debating and enacting laws, representing citizens, and ensuring government accountability. Its work is organized through sessions, committees, and plenary votes. Parliaments typically address policy, scrutinize government actions, and shape the public agenda through legislation and oversight.

Structure varies, with some countries having unicameral legislatures and others bicameral ones. In bicameral systems, two chambers provide different perspectives on legislation, often an lower house and an upper house. In Romania, Parlamentul României consists of two chambers: the Camera Deputaților (Chamber of Deputies) and the Senatul (Senate).

Members are usually elected for fixed terms by citizens, employing proportional, majoritarian, or mixed electoral systems. Term lengths and eligibility rules differ by country. Parliaments also have reserved powers such as approving the state budget, ratifying international treaties, and, in some systems, constitutional amendments.

Legislation generally follows a process that includes proposal, committee review, debate, and plenary vote. Parliaments exercise oversight over the executive through hearings, inquiries, and questioning of ministers. In parliamentary systems, the government often depends on parliamentary confidence and can be removed by a vote of no confidence. Parliaments may also participate in appointing or confirming key public offices and institutions.

Historically, parliaments evolved from medieval assemblies into modern legislative bodies with varying levels of authority depending on constitutional arrangements. They remain central to representative government by translating citizen preferences into law and policy.