Parliament

Definition

Parliament is the supreme legislative body in the United Kingdom, consisting of two houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. It plays a crucial role in shaping laws, overseeing the government, and representing the interests of the public. This institution has been fundamental in the evolution of British democracy and has influenced political and religious writing throughout history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Parliament's origins can be traced back to the medieval period, evolving from councils advising the monarch to a more structured legislative body.
2. The English Civil War (1642-1651) highlighted the power struggle between Parliament and the monarchy, leading to significant shifts in authority.
3. The Glorious Revolution of 1688 solidified parliamentary sovereignty, reducing the powers of the monarchy and establishing constitutional principles.
4. The Parliament Acts of 1911 and 1949 limited the House of Lords' ability to block legislation passed by the House of Commons, further enhancing democratic governance.
5. Parliament's debates and decisions significantly influenced political and religious thought during periods like the Reformation and the Enlightenment, shaping societal norms and values.

Review Questions

• How did Parliament evolve from its early origins to become a key player in British governance?
  • Parliament evolved from informal councils that advised the monarch in medieval times to a formalized legislative body with defined powers. Over centuries, it gained authority through events like the English Civil War, which challenged royal prerogative and asserted parliamentary supremacy. Key milestones such as the Magna Carta laid foundational principles that allowed Parliament to gradually take on legislative responsibilities, shaping modern democratic governance.
• Discuss how significant historical events impacted the relationship between Parliament and the monarchy in Britain.
  • Significant historical events such as the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution transformed the dynamic between Parliament and the monarchy. The Civil War established that Parliament could challenge royal authority, while the Glorious Revolution firmly established parliamentary sovereignty over monarchical power. These events paved the way for constitutional governance, where Parliament became the primary legislative authority, limiting the monarchy's control over law-making.
• Evaluate the role of Parliament in shaping political and religious writing during pivotal moments in British history.
  • Parliament played a critical role in influencing political and religious writing during pivotal moments such as the Reformation and Enlightenment. As it became a platform for debate and legislation, various writers and thinkers utilized parliamentary discussions to articulate ideas on governance, rights, and individual freedoms. The decisions made within Parliament often reflected or incited broader societal shifts, encouraging writers to respond to issues of power, faith, and civil liberties, which shaped public discourse and national identity.

Related terms

House of Commons: The lower house of Parliament, made up of Members of Parliament (MPs) who are elected by the public to represent their constituencies.

House of Lords: The upper house of Parliament, which is composed of appointed members, including life peers, bishops, and hereditary peers, who review legislation proposed by the House of Commons.

Bill: A proposal for new legislation or an amendment to existing law that must be debated and approved by both houses of Parliament before becoming law.