An Introduction Powerpoint on Parliament, how it works and how the Houses of Commons is organised.

1. Understanding
Parliament.
An introduction presentation on the Parliamentary
process from an International Perspective.

2. Parliamentary Language…
 The word Parliament comes from the French, Parlement,
which in turn comes from the verb Parler meaning ‘to speak.’
A parliament therefore is where people come to speak about
the running of a country.
 Other words for Parliament are…
 Assembly,
 Senate
 Council
 Diet

3. The context…
 From around the 1500-1900s many Parliaments came about
due to a desire for Democracy and less dictatorships by
Kings. There were many political issues being considered at
this time..... Such as…
 What to do with the King/Queen, where do they fit in a
Democracy?
 What about all the rich lords, Barons and Knights, who once
played major roles in the running of the country?
 How do we make sure the country stays a Democracy where
the ‘everyday’ people are always represented?

4. The Structure of Government
 Parliaments in most countries have three sections.
Head of Upper House Lower House
State

5. Head of State
 The highest rank in a country.
 In Democracies it is a ceremonial role, in Kingdoms it is a
Monarch.
 Heads of State do not usually take part in law making.
 The Head of state, gives a country a sense of being
legitimate. It’s a pomp and ceremony role.
 Charles de Guile who created the modern French state wrote
that the head of state is the ‘the spirit of the nation“
 In Presidential Systems the Head of State forms the
Executive, in Parliamentary systems, this is not the case.

6. The Upper House
 Sometimes called, Senate, Legislative Council or Federation
Council.
 It has far less powers than the Lower House,
 It reviews laws and can add minor changes,
 Some Upper Houses have the power only to delay laws.
 Members are not usually elected, many are members for life, or
are Chairmen of Universities.
 Some memberships are given as State Honours such as UK
(House of Lords)
 There have been discussions in some countries in favour of
abolishing the Upper House (Ireland)

7. The Lower House
 Sometimes called, House of Representatives, House of
Commons, Chamber of Deputies, National Assembly.
 Although a lower House, it has the most power.
 The leader of the country usually sits here. (In Parliamentary
systems)
 All members are elected by the public.
 Lower House creates laws and votes on them.
 This House usually has full control over all decision making
matters of the country.
 The lower house can even exert laws on the Upper House.

8. Inside the Chamber…
The Prime Minister
and the party in
power sit on the The Speaker, keeps
right of the speaker. order
They form the
Government The strongest
opposing party sit
on the left of the
Less known speaker, they are
members of know as the
the House sit opposition and they
at the back, form a ‘shadow
they are known Government’
as
‘Backbenchers
There aren’t enough
seats for all members
well known members
so when the house is
of the House sit at the
full, some will stand.
front, they are known
as ‘Frontbenchers’
Green Carpet is a Commonwealth
tradition for Lower Houses.