Parliament is the highest legislative and representative state body in those countries in which there is a separation of powers. The word itself is borrowed from the English language (parliament), which comes from the French parlement.
Instructions
Step 1
In parliament, the population of the country and its regions are represented at the expense of elected persons. At the same time, the composition of the parliament (or one of its chambers) is formed through general elections. Parliament is the legislative body. Its functions include the adoption of laws, as well as certain control and formation of executive power, for example, passing a vote of no confidence in the government of the country. In many states, the parliament has the same name, in some - its own.
Step 2
In ancient states (for example, in Ancient Rome), there were bodies that included representatives of the people. Such bodies could be a council of elders, a veche, a national assembly, the Senate. In the era of the Middle Ages, a class-representative system appeared. She represented bodies, which included representatives of the estates. Examples are the States General (France), Zemsky Sobor (Russia).
Step 3
The prototype of the modern parliament is a body that appeared in England in the 13th century. According to the Magna Carta signed by King John Lackland, certain rights were transferred to the royal council. Parliament was a kind of layer between the monarch and society. Over time, the role of a secondary body was replaced by the role of the main body in the state.
Step 4
There are unicameral parliaments (for example, the Verkhovna Rada in Ukraine) and bicameral (State Duma and Federation Council in Russia). Members of the lower house of parliament are called MPs, members of the upper house are called senators. The parliamentary elections clearly show the mood that prevails in society. The party with the most votes forms the government. As a rule, parliamentary elections are held once every 4-5 years.
