British Parliament

British Parliament

The British Parliament is the supreme legislative body in the United Kingdom, the Crown dependencies, and the British overseas territories. It possesses legislative supremacy and ultimate power over all other political bodies in the UK and its territories. The Parliament is bicameral, consisting of two houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

History

The origins of the British Parliament can be traced back to the early medieval period. The first English Parliament was convened in 1215 with the signing of the Magna Carta, which established the principle that the king could not levy or collect taxes without the consent of his council. Over the centuries, the Parliament evolved from a feudal assembly into a modern legislative body.

The Evolution of Parliament

• 13th Century: The Model Parliament of 1295, convened by Edward I, is often considered the first representative parliament, as it included commoners as well as nobles.
• 17th Century: The English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution of 1688 were pivotal in establishing the constitutional monarchy and the supremacy of Parliament over the monarchy.
• 19th Century: The Reform Acts of 1832, 1867, and 1884 gradually expanded the franchise and reformed the electoral system.

Structure

The British Parliament is composed of two houses:

House of Commons

The House of Commons is the lower house of Parliament. Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected to represent constituencies across the UK. The leader of the party with the most seats in the House of Commons is invited by the monarch to become the Prime Minister.

• Elections: General elections are held every five years, although they can be called earlier.
• Functions: The House of Commons is responsible for making and passing laws, scrutinizing the government, and representing the public.

House of Lords

The House of Lords is the upper house of Parliament. It is made up of appointed and hereditary members, including life peers, bishops, and hereditary peers.

• Functions: The House of Lords reviews legislation proposed by the House of Commons, provides expertise, and acts as a check on the government.
• Reform: There have been ongoing discussions about reforming the House of Lords to make it more democratic.

Functions of Parliament

The main functions of the British Parliament include:

• Legislation: Drafting, debating, and passing laws.
• Representation: Representing the interests and concerns of the public.
• Scrutiny: Holding the government accountable through questioning and committees.
• Budgeting: Approving government expenditure and taxation.

Parliamentary Procedure

Parliamentary procedure is governed by a set of rules and traditions. Key elements include:

• Debates: Formal discussions on proposed legislation and other issues.
• Committees: Groups of MPs or Lords that examine specific issues in detail.
• Question Time: A period during which MPs can question government ministers.

See Also

• Constitutional history of the United Kingdom
• Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
• Monarchy of the United Kingdom

References

• "Role of Parliament". UK Parliament. Retrieved 2023-10-15.