Parliament is central core of any form of democracy. Parliament is a legislature that refers only to a democratic government’s legislature. The term Parliament is derived from the French word parlement, which means a discussion. The members of the Parliament are the representatives of the People and the process of selection is voting.
Parliament adopts laws, seeks solutions, takes important decisions, passes budgets..etc. Generally, a parliament has three functions: representation, legislation and parliamentary control. The Sicilian Parliament is considered one of the oldest in the world.
Parliaments usually consist of chambers or houses, and are usually either bicameral or unicameral. A nation’s prime minister is almost always the leader of the majority party in the lower house of parliament, but only holds his or her office as long as the “confidence of the house” is maintained.
Parliaments of the World’s Major Countries
Country |
Parliament |
India | Sansad (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) |
Bangladesh | Jatiya Sansad |
Spain | Cortes Generales |
Pakistan | National Assembly |
Nepal | Rashtriya Panchayat |
Israel | Knesset |
Canada | Parliament |
Russia | Duma and Federal Council |
United States of America | Congress (House of Representatives and Senate) |
Germany | Bundstag – Upper HouseBundesrat – Lower House |
Maldives | Mazlis |
Bhutan | Tshogdu |
Australia | Federal Parliament |
Denmark | Folketing |
China | National People’s Congress |
Iran | Majlis |
Mynamar | Pyithu Hluttaw |
Japan | Diet |
France | National Assembly |
Norway | Storting |
Afghanistan | Shora |
Turkey | Grand National Assembly |