Understanding Parliament: Structure and Function

Introduction to Parliament

• Parliament shapes issues affecting healthcare, education, environment, international aid, and crime.
• Evolved throughout history to meet people's needs.

Key Historical Events

1. Magna Carta (1215)
   • King John agreed to 63 rules by barons.
   • Established the principle that no one, including the king, is above the law.
2. Parliament of 1265
   • Simon de Montfort invited representatives from towns and shires.
   • Laid the foundation for representative democracy.

Structure of UK Parliament

• Consists of three main parts:
  1. House of Commons
     • Elected chamber with 650 Members of Parliament (MPs).
     • MPs represent constituencies and can belong to political parties or be independent.
     • Debates issues, proposes and amends laws, challenges government policies.
  2. House of Lords
     • Second chamber with around 800 members, mainly life peers, hereditary peers, and bishops.
     • Holds government to account through expertise.
  3. The Monarch
     • Ceremonial role, meets weekly with the Prime Minister, agrees to new laws.

Role of Parliament

• Government Accountability:
  • Prime Minister's Questions and ministerial questions allow MPs and Lords to challenge government policies.
  • Select Committees:
    • Analyze policy, consist of MPs, Lords, or both.
    • Gather evidence from experts and the public, write reports that recommend improvements.

Law-making Process

1. Bill Development:
   • Sources of Bills:
     • Proposed by government, opposition parties, civil servants, etc.
   • Stages of a Bill:
     • Green Paper for public discussion, followed by White Paper outlining policy.
     • Bill drawn up and debated in Parliament.
     • Approval from both Houses required, followed by royal assent from the Monarch.
     • Becomes an Act of Parliament.

Elections and Representation

• Democracy in the UK:
  • Power held by the people through voting rights.
  • General Elections:
    • Usually every 5 years; all seats contested.
    • Candidates campaign and publish manifestos.
    • Candidate with the most votes becomes MP for that constituency.
• Post-election:
  • Elected MPs represent all constituents.
  • Government formed by party with most MPs.
  • Possible outcomes include minority government or coalition.

Engaging with Parliament

• Voting Eligibility:
  • Must be 18 or over to vote; registration possible from age 16.
• Ways to Get Involved:
  • Contact MPs or Lords about community issues.
  • Join youth sections of parties, UK Youth Parliament, or start petitions.
  • Join student councils in schools or colleges.

Conclusion

• Parliament is central to UK democracy, influencing major issues, law-making, and government accountability.
• Citizens can engage through voting, campaigning, and community involvement.

What will you do to participate in democracy?