UK Parliament

Parliament has evolved to meet the needs of the people over time.
Two key historical events:
- 1215: Magna Carta: King John agreed that no one, not even the king, was above the law.
- 1265: Simon de Montfort's Parliament: Invited representatives of towns and shires.
These events established the foundations for representative democracy.
Power shifted from the monarch to Parliament over time.

The elected chamber of Parliament.
Debates issues, proposes laws, amends existing ones, and challenges the Government.
650 Members of Parliament (MPs), each representing a constituency in the UK.
MPs belong to a political party or are independent.
Elected by constituents.
The leader of the party with the most MPs becomes the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister chooses a cabinet of 20 senior ministers to coordinate Government departments.
Parties not in power are called the opposition.
The Speaker chairs debates to keep order.

The second chamber, sharing law-making with the House of Commons.
Around 800 members, mostly life peers, with hereditary peers and bishops also included.
Lords are selected for knowledge and experience.
They hold Government to account by scrutinising laws in detail.

Scrutinise policy in detail.
Made up of MPs, Lords, or both.
Look at specific subjects and make recommendations.
Call witnesses with expertise to give evidence.
Members of the public can also give evidence.
The committee writes a report with recommendations, and the Government usually responds within 60 days.

Both Houses share responsibility.
A Bill is a proposal for a new law or a change to an existing law.
Bills come from governing and opposition parties, public inquiries, civil servants, or campaign groups.

Green Paper: Presents the Government’s ideas for future policy for public discussion.
White Paper: Outlines a firmer plan for Government policy.
Cabinet Ministers agree whether to take the proposal forward.
A Bill is drawn up and introduced to Parliament by the responsible minister.
MPs and the House of Lords debate and amend the Bill through several stages. It must be agreed to by both houses.
Passed to the monarch for Royal Assent.
The Bill becomes law, called an Act of Parliament.

The UK is a democracy where power is in the hands of the people through the right to vote.
General, local, and European elections.

Take place usually once every five years.
Every seat is up for grabs.
Voters choose from a list of candidates.
The candidate with the most votes becomes the constituency’s MP.
Candidates campaign through leaflets, public debates, door-to-door visits, and party political broadcasts.
Parties publish a manifesto outlining their policies.
Elected MPs represent all constituents.
The party with the most MPs forms the Government, and their leader becomes Prime Minister.
In a ‘hung Parliament’, a minority government, coalition government, or fresh election may occur.
You have to be 18 or over to vote in General Elections, but can register from 16.

Visit an MP in their local constituency office or lobby them in the Houses of Parliament.
Contact any Lord or local MP by letter, phone, or email.
Join the youth section of a party or the UK Youth Parliament.
Start a petition or join an existing campaign, pressure, or protest group.
Join (or start!) a student council.