The United Kingdom Parliament
The UK Parliament is one of the oldest representative assemblies in the world, having its origins in the mid-13th Century. The UK 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 UK Parliament is based on a two chamber system. The House of Lords and the House of Commons sit separately, and are constituted on different principles. However, the legislative process involves both Houses.
Parliament has three main functions:
- to examine proposals for new laws.
- to scrutinise government policy and administration.
- to 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.
The parliamentary system contains many checks to ensure that a government remains accountable and does not abuse its powers. Ultimately, the Government can only remain in office for as long as it has the support of a majority in the House of Commons.
When the government has a large overall majority they are able to count on the voting strengths of their supporters in the Commons, ensuring that their legislation is passed in substantially the same form as originally proposed. When the overall majority is much smaller, as was the case in the Parliaments elected in October 1974 and 1992, it places added pressure on the government and gives greater power to individual MPs.
Contact details
House of Commons
London SW1A 0AA
House of Lords
London SW1A 0PW
Tel: 020 7219 3000
hcinfo@parliament.uk
www.parliament.uk