In Parliament
The UK Parliament
The UK Parliament is one of the oldest representative assemblies in the world, having its origins in the mid-13th Century. The United Kingdom Parliament today comprises members from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
The present two-chamber system began in the 14th century in England: the House of Lords (the upper house) and the House of Commons (the lower house) sit separately and are constituted on entirely different principles. The relationship between the two Houses is governed largely by convention but is in part defined by the Parliament Acts. The legislative process involves both Houses of Parliament and the Monarch.
The main functions of Parliament are to:
- make all UK law
- provide, by voting for taxation, the means of carrying on the work of government
- protect the public and safeguard the rights of individuals
- scrutinise government policy and administration, including proposals for expenditure
- examine European proposals before they become law
- hear appeals in the House of Lords, the highest Court of Appeal in Britain
- debate the major issues of the day.
Parliament has a maximum duration of five years. At any time up to the end of this period, a general election can be held for a new House of Commons.
At the end of the 20th Century, legislation was passed by the UK Parliament to create devolved Parliaments/Assemblies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Reprinted from www.parliament.uk/works/parliament.cfm
To know more about the history of parliament, the procedures and the legislative process, browse the guides below. You can find more guides by visiting the Parliament website by clicking here.
To find out about Ian’s Parliamentary work, click here
Downloads (Opens a PDF document in a new window)
History and Tradition
Procedures
Legislation
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