PARLIAMENT OF ENGLAND Meaning and
Definition
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The Parliament of England refers to the legislative body that was established in 1295 and existed until 1707. It functioned as the supreme governing authority in England, with powers to make laws, levy taxes, administer justice, and control royal expenditures. The Parliament was composed of two chambers—the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
The House of Commons, also known as the lower house, consisted of elected representatives from various constituencies across the country. Its members, called Members of Parliament (MPs), were responsible for representing the interests and concerns of their constituents. The House of Commons had the power to propose and debate legislation and played a crucial role in the legislative process.
The House of Lords, also referred to as the upper house, comprised of appointed members including hereditary nobles and bishops. The role of the House of Lords was to revise and scrutinize legislation proposed by the House of Commons, ensuring that laws were thoroughly examined and debated before they were passed.
The Parliament of England held significant authority over the monarch, serving as a crucial check on royal power. It played a pivotal role in shaping the constitutional development of England, establishing principles such as the consent of parliament for taxation and the right to trial by jury. The Parliament of England laid the foundations for modern parliamentary democracy and its legacy continues to influence political systems around the world.
