Parliament is the highest legislative body in Great Britain, made up of two chambers and chaired by the Lord Speaker. The British monarch is part of it, but is not the head. The English Parliament is descended from the ancient royal council and is often called the "mother of parliaments", although it is not the oldest in the world.
Early history of parliament
Since the 8th century AD, an estate monarchy began to take shape on the territory of Europe, the same process took place in England. Power over the territory and population belonged to the king, who, in order to strengthen the state, had to prevent the separatism of the feudal lords, create a tax system and a bureaucratic apparatus, for which he needed an institution for a state organization. From the middle of the 12th century, it became compulsory to hold meetings of the vassals who became the forerunners of parliament. At first, only the highest vassals participated in such meetings, then the middle ones could also take part.
In the 13th century, this assembly became a council of magnates - spiritual and secular barons. It convened several times a year to deal with political issues. Gradually, his role began to increase, and during the civil war, the influence of the magnates increased significantly. Its members wanted to take control of the king's power, which caused discontent among the knights and ordinary citizens. Opposition leader Montfort proposed the formation of a new state structure, and in 1264 a parliament was convened, where the nobility and several representatives from the counties were invited.
Parliament development
In the middle of the XIV century, parliament was divided into two chambers: lords and commons, although then these names were not in use, they were called upper and lower. The first was attended by representatives of the church and the secular aristocracy, the second included representatives of the chivalry and townspeople. Members of the lower house received remuneration for their work, but the lords were not given payments.
At the end of the same century, the post of speaker appeared, who represented a certain chamber, although he did not head it - the king was still considered the leader. Parliament was assembled at least once a year, but sometimes more, up to four. The minutes were recorded in French or Latin, and even in oral speech they used French for a long time, and only from 1363 they began to sometimes make speeches in English.
In the 15th century, the status of a deputy was formed, who was given certain privileges and immunity. Members of parliament were highly regarded. Parliament performed many functions in the state, but most importantly, it was the legislative body. The lower house put forward a proposal - a bill that was approved by the lords and then sent to the king for signature. Parliament even had the right to change kings on the throne, the first precedent happened in 1327, when Edward II was removed from the English throne.
