What is Parliament? At first glance, this is a very simple question. However, many social surveys show that many of our fellow citizens, with a more detailed explanation, begin to get confused and do not quite clearly understand the features inherent in this concept. So let's see what a parliament is. When and why it arose, what is its essence. And is there an alternative to this concept in the modern world.
What is Parliament? Origin History
Such an organ existed in antiquity. So the Senate of the Roman Republic was the first such full-fledged governing body. However, the Greek Areopagus, various councils of elders or military councils can also be called the prototype of parliament. In the Middle Ages, the councils of the nobility under the monarch were a kind of advisory body. States General in France, the Boyar Duma or the Zemsky Sobor in the Muscovite State, the Cortes in Spain, the Landsrats in some German lands. The powers of the parliament in different eras of European history (this is the brainchild of Europe) have changed significantly. During the period of the strengthening of monarchical power, the so-called absolutism, the councils of the nobility of many countries became just advisory bodies that did not have anysignificant influence on the politics of the country. And even completely abolished by the king. Parliament received its second birth already in modern times, when teachings about civil rights and the people as the bearer of the highest state power were expanding in Europe. In the context of the democratization of societies, they again, as once in the Greek policies, needed a representative body of power. They became the parliament, which received legislative power at its disposal. The concept of a regularly re-elected council of deputies as a representative body from all categories of the population became so popular that in the 20th century it spread throughout the globe.
How to be today without parliament?
It is interesting that different historical experiences for each of the modern states gave them their own structure of the government system. For some, it's completely out of the ordinary. Thus, the modern Vatican is the only country in the world with a theocratic administration of a spiritual leader as head of state. The Legislative Council is simply not needed here. Yes, and could not get along as too bulky body. Moreover, contrary to the meaning of the existence of the Vatican as an independent residence of the Papal administration. Today's Brunei also lacks a parliament. The absolute head of state is the local sultan, who has concentrated all power in his hands. And the government is formed by him mainly from representatives of the family.
What is parliament and what is it like today
However, the vast majority of modern states have a parliamentary system. Even here, however, there are differences. Thus, a number of European countries have a bicameral legislative council. Most often, it is rather a tribute to respected aristocratic families that sit in the highest chamber. In England, for example, this is the so-called House of Lords. Elections to the parliament of this higher chamber are not envisaged at all. It consists of appointed for life and hereditary representatives. The powers of the House of Lords, however, are also small. And they consist in considering the bills of the lower house and the possible imposition of a veto or deferment. The United States also has a bicameral parliament. Here, however, chambers have nothing to do with tradition. The Senate and the House of Representatives have different powers. And they were created as an additional lever to avoid the usurpation of power. Most modern deputy councils have only one chamber and are legislative bodies. Although in particular cases they have different powers in relation to the government or the president. So in Italy, the president is elected by the Chamber of Deputies, and in Spain, King Juan Carlos himself forms the government. Unlike the Spanish one, the Ukrainian parliament has the power to form the Cabinet of Ministers.
