The Parliament of the United Kingdom is the supreme legislative body of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is bicameral, consisting of two houses:
History and Evolution
The origins of the Parliament of the United Kingdom can be traced back to the early medieval period. Here are some key historical points:
- Early Origins: The first parliaments were summoned by Edward I in the late 13th century, combining the nobility, clergy, and representatives of the counties and towns.
- Model Parliament: The Model Parliament of 1295 set a precedent by including elected representatives from boroughs and counties, which is considered the foundation of the modern Parliament.
- Reformation and Civil Wars: The English Reformation and subsequent civil wars led to significant changes, including the establishment of the Long Parliament (1640-1660), which challenged royal authority and laid the groundwork for parliamentary sovereignty.
- Acts of Union: The Acts of Union in 1707 united England and Scotland into Great Britain, creating a single Parliament of Great Britain. Later, in 1801, another Act of Union with Ireland formed the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, with one Parliament for the entire nation.
- Parliamentary Reform: The 19th and 20th centuries saw several reforms, including the Reform Act of 1832, which expanded the electorate, and the Parliament Act 1911, which curtailed the power of the House of Lords.
Current Structure
Today, the structure of the Parliament of the United Kingdom is as follows:
- House of Commons: Comprises 650 members of Parliament (MPs) elected from constituencies across the UK. Elections must be held at least every five years, but can be called earlier by the Prime Minister.
- House of Lords: Consists of life peers, bishops, and hereditary peers. The Lords' powers are limited compared to the Commons, particularly in financial matters.
Functions and Powers
- Legislation: Parliament creates, amends, and repeals laws through the passage of bills.
- Scrutiny: Both houses scrutinize the work of the government, including debates, questions, and the work of select committees.
- Representation: MPs represent their constituents and bring local issues to the national stage.
- Financial Control: The Commons has the exclusive right to initiate tax-related legislation.
Recent Developments
Recent reforms have focused on:
External Links