Parliament is where representatives of the people meet to make laws. They can pass bills or change existing ones and they also control how the government runs the country. Parliaments are a key part of a democracy because they make sure that the rules everyone has to live by are fair and just.
The main duties of parliaments differ depending on their type of parliamentary system. In parliamentary systems that follow the Westminster model, the executive branch develops most draft laws and parliament’s role is to review, amend and pass them. However, it is possible for individual MPs to introduce draft laws (known as Private Members Bills), though in many parliaments few such bills are ever passed.
Regardless of how laws are made, a parliament’s capacity to fulfil its legislative functions depends on having strong organisational structures, including well-trained and experienced staff in the parliamentary administration and committees. This is essential if parliaments are to be able to assess and evaluate proposed policy changes from diverse angles.
Parliaments must also have the resources and flexibility to communicate with citizens. This includes ensuring that they can provide their constituents with access to information about draft laws under consideration as well as their positions on those issues. This is particularly important in countries that are transitioning to democracy. Finally, parliaments should be able to promote their work through the media, which act as a bridging institution between politicians and citizens. This requires a stable legal framework to guarantee that the media are independent and can carry out their investigative role.
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