RIIGIKOGU Meaning and
Definition
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Riigikogu is a term primarily used in Estonia, referring to the unicameral parliament or legislative body of the country. The term "riigikogu" itself translates to "state assembly" or "parliament" in English.
Specifically, Riigikogu is the highest level of decision-making in Estonia, responsible for passing laws, discussing governmental policies, and approving the state budget. It consists of 101 members who are elected through a proportional representation system, and their term of office is four years. The activities of the Riigikogu are regulated by the Estonian Constitution and its internal rules of procedure.
The Riigikogu holds regular sessions, and during these sessions, legislators debate and vote on various legislative proposals, ranging from domestic policies to international agreements. It also plays a role in electing the President of Estonia, and in situations of emergency or war, it can exercise emergency powers.
Established in 1919, the Riigikogu has been an essential institution in shaping Estonia's political landscape, promoting democracy, and representing the interests of the Estonian people. It serves as a forum for political debate, consensus-building, and the expression of diverse viewpoints.
In summary, the Riigikogu is the national legislative body of Estonia, responsible for enacting laws, steering the country's policies, and providing democratic representation for its citizens.
Etymology of RIIGIKOGU
The word "riigikogu" has its etymology in the Estonian language. "Riigikogu" translates to "parliament" in English and is the name of the unicameral legislative body in Estonia.
The term "riigikogu" was first used in the early 20th century when Estonia gained independence from Russia in 1918. It comes from the Estonian words "riigi" meaning "state" and "kogu" meaning "assembly" or "council". Therefore, "riigikogu" can be understood as the "state assembly" or "state council". The choice of this term was a deliberate decision to create a unique name for the Estonian parliament that reflected the country's newly independent status.
