PARLIAMENTS Meaning and
Definition
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Parliaments are legislative bodies that function as the highest level of authority in democratic countries. They typically consist of elected representatives who debate and create laws, determine government policies, provide oversight on the executive branch, and represent the interests of the people. Parliaments vary in structure and responsibilities across different countries.
In a parliamentary system, such as found in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, or India, the parliament serves as the central institution of governance. It is responsible for creating and passing legislation, confirming government budgets, and holding the executive branch accountable through question times and parliamentary inquiries.
Parliaments often have multiple chambers to ensure a system of checks and balances. These chambers may include a lower house, also known as the House of Representatives or the House of Commons, and an upper house, such as the Senate or the House of Lords. The members of parliament are elected or appointed, depending on the country, and represent various political parties or constituencies.
Beyond their legislative duties, parliaments play a critical role in ensuring democracy and promoting civic engagement. They provide a platform for representatives to voice the concerns and interests of their constituents, hold the government accountable, and deliberate on public issues. Through parliamentary debates and discussions, elected representatives contribute to the democratic decision-making process, shaping policies and legislation that affect the lives of their citizens.
Overall, parliaments are key institutions in democratic societies, serving as critical forums for deliberation, legislation, and oversight to enhance transparency, accountability, and the robust functioning of government.
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Etymology of PARLIAMENTS
The word "parliaments" has its origins in Old French.
In the 12th century, the Old French term "parlement" emerged from the verb "parler", meaning "to speak". The concept of a "parlement" initially referred to a formal discussion or conference, often involving representatives of various groups or estates. Over time, this evolved to describe an institutional body that serves as a deliberative assembly or legislative gathering.
The English word "parliament" derives directly from Old French. It first appeared in English documents around the 13th century, referring to the governing bodies of England and France. The term gradually gained popularity and expanded to cover similar legislative bodies in other countries.
Overall, the term "parliament" has its roots in the Latin word "parlamentum", which had similar meanings of "consultation" and "discussion".
Similar spelling words for PARLIAMENTS
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