Assignment on: The Parliament
Introduction:
Parliament is a vital institution of modern democratic governance. It
functions as the primary medium for political decision-making,
legislative debate, and the representation of the people's will. The term
parliament originates from the French word parler, meaning "to speak,"
which highlights its essential role as a platform for discussion and
deliberation. Over the centuries, parliament has transformed from a
council of nobles advising monarchs to the embodiment of
representative democracy and popular sovereignty. Today, parliaments
globally serve a vital function in legislation, ensuring governmental
accountability, distributing budgets, and representing varied societal
interests.
Definition of the Parliament:
Parliament is a formal assembly of representatives, typically elected, that
holds the authority to make, amend, and repeal laws. It is often described
as the “heart of democracy” because it embodies the principle of popular
sovereignty, where power ultimately rests with the people.
According to Bagehot (1867), Parliament is “the place where the
nation’s will is expressed,” highlighting its role as the primary institution
of political representation and legislative authority. Again, Thomas
, Hobbes (1651) said, “A Parliament is that Assembly where the
Sovereign Authority of the Commonwealth resideth.”
Structure of Parliament:
Parliaments worldwide differ in structure, but most follow either a
unicameral or bicameral system:
Unicameral Parliament: Consists of a single legislative chamber.
Examples include Finland, New Zealand, and Israel.
Bicameral Parliament: Comprises two chambers, typically an
upper house and a lower house. Examples include the UK, India,
and the US.
Functions of Parliament:
Parliament plays multiple critical roles in a democracy:
1. Legislative Function
The primary role is to make laws that govern the country. Parliament
debates, amends, and enacts legislation. This process involves several
readings, committee scrutiny, and approval from both houses (in
bicameral systems).
2. Representation
Introduction:
Parliament is a vital institution of modern democratic governance. It
functions as the primary medium for political decision-making,
legislative debate, and the representation of the people's will. The term
parliament originates from the French word parler, meaning "to speak,"
which highlights its essential role as a platform for discussion and
deliberation. Over the centuries, parliament has transformed from a
council of nobles advising monarchs to the embodiment of
representative democracy and popular sovereignty. Today, parliaments
globally serve a vital function in legislation, ensuring governmental
accountability, distributing budgets, and representing varied societal
interests.
Definition of the Parliament:
Parliament is a formal assembly of representatives, typically elected, that
holds the authority to make, amend, and repeal laws. It is often described
as the “heart of democracy” because it embodies the principle of popular
sovereignty, where power ultimately rests with the people.
According to Bagehot (1867), Parliament is “the place where the
nation’s will is expressed,” highlighting its role as the primary institution
of political representation and legislative authority. Again, Thomas
, Hobbes (1651) said, “A Parliament is that Assembly where the
Sovereign Authority of the Commonwealth resideth.”
Structure of Parliament:
Parliaments worldwide differ in structure, but most follow either a
unicameral or bicameral system:
Unicameral Parliament: Consists of a single legislative chamber.
Examples include Finland, New Zealand, and Israel.
Bicameral Parliament: Comprises two chambers, typically an
upper house and a lower house. Examples include the UK, India,
and the US.
Functions of Parliament:
Parliament plays multiple critical roles in a democracy:
1. Legislative Function
The primary role is to make laws that govern the country. Parliament
debates, amends, and enacts legislation. This process involves several
readings, committee scrutiny, and approval from both houses (in
bicameral systems).
2. Representation
