Parliament influences major areas like healthcare, education, the environment, international aid, and crime.
Parliament's Evolution:
Began with the Magna Carta in 1215, where King John agreed to rules ensuring no one is above the law.
Simon de Montfort's 1265 Parliament invited representatives, laying foundations for representative democracy.
Power transitioned from monarch to Parliament over time.
Structure of the UK Parliament
Three Parts:
House of Commons
Elected chamber, debates issues, and proposes/amends laws.
650 MPs represent constituencies; elected by constituents.
Leader of the party with most MPs becomes the Prime Minister.
House of Lords
Second chamber, shares law-making with the Commons.
Comprises life peers, hereditary peers, and bishops.
The Monarch
Ceremonial role, meets the Prime Minister weekly, agrees on new laws.
Roles and Functions
Support roles like clerks, librarians, and researchers assist parliamentary functions.
Government Accountability:
Parliament holds the government to account through Prime Ministerās Questions, ministerial questions, and debates.
Select Committees analyze policies and make recommendations.
Law-Making Process
Origin of Laws:
Bills are proposed new laws or amendments, originating from government, opposition, inquiries, etc.
Process involves Green Papers (initial ideas) and White Papers (firm plans), leading to a bill.
Bills are debated in Parliament, requiring approval from both houses and royal assent to become law.
Democracy and Elections
General Elections:
Occur every five years; MPs elected to the House of Commons.
Campaigns involve manifestos and public engagement.
The party with the most elected MPs forms the government.
A hung parliament might lead to a coalition or new election.
Public Involvement
Voting is a key democratic right.
Ways to Engage:
Contact MPs or Lords via letters, phone, or email.
Participate in youth political groups or start petitions.
Join campaigns, pressure, or protest groups.
Engage within schools or colleges through councils.
Conclusion
Parliament is central to UK democracy, enabling public participation through various means like voting, petitioning, and campaigning. Engage and influence parliamentary work.