HELLENIC PARLIAMENT Meaning and
Definition
-
The Hellenic Parliament refers to the supreme legislative body of the Hellenic Republic, commonly known as Greece. It is the highest form of authority and an essential pillar of democracy in Greece. The Hellenic Parliament consists of elected representatives of the Greek people who are entrusted to draft, approve, and amend legislation, as well as supervise and control the actions of the government.
Composed of 300 members, the Hellenic Parliament is elected through a nationwide election process which occurs every four years. These members are known as Members of Parliament (MPs), and their primary responsibility is to represent the interests of the citizens who elected them. The parliament operates under a parliamentary system, meaning that the head of the government is appointed through the majority support of the MPs.
The Hellenic Parliament exercises multiple crucial functions including initiating legislation, ratifying international agreements, approving the national budget, questioning government ministers, and voting on motions of confidence or no-confidence in the government. Moreover, the parliament safeguards the Constitution, ensuring that laws and government actions adhere to the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
The Hellenic Parliament is housed in the Greek Parliament Building located in the capital city of Athens. It plays a central role in shaping the future of Greece, guaranteeing the rights of its citizens, and upholding democratic governance within the nation.
Etymology of HELLENIC PARLIAMENT
The etymology of the term "Hellenic Parliament" can be traced back to ancient Greek civilization and the concept of "Hellas" or "Hellenes". The word "Hellenic" pertains to anything related to or derived from ancient Greece.
The term "Parliament" originates from the Old French word "parlement", which means "to speak". It eventually came to refer to a formal assembly or legislative body. The concept of a parliament was established in medieval Europe, most notably in England, where it evolved as a representative institution of government. This terminology was later adopted by various countries to refer to their own representative bodies.
Together, the term "Hellenic Parliament" can be understood as the legislative body of Greece, representing the people of the Hellenic nation.
