Notes on Bahamian Parliament and Government Branches

Bicameral Parliament in the Bahamas

• Bicameral: Two chambers (House of Assembly and Senate).
• House of Assembly: Lower house and the most important part of the Legislature.
  • Located in Rawson Square.
  • Consists of 39 members.
  • First met on September 29th, 1729, under Governor Woods Rogers.
  • Election on September 16th, 2021: Progressive Liberal Party (P.L.P) won 32 seats, Free National Movement (F.N.M) won 7 seats.

Function of the House of Assembly

• Pass laws.
• Discuss national business and affairs honestly and fairly.

Becoming a Member of the House of Assembly

• Must be elected.
• Requirements:
  • Must be 21 years or older.
  • Must pay the fee of $130 on Nomination day.
  • Bahamian citizen.
  • Must be of sound mind and have a clean record.

Life Span of Parliament

• Maximum life: 5 years between general elections.
• Dissolution of parliament must take place between 30-45 days.

Judiciary Branch

• Third branch of a democratic government.
• Concerned with courts and the legal system.
• Hears illegal disputes and applies the law in legal cases.

Legislative Branch

• Responsible for making all laws for The Bahamas.
• Most important branch of government.
• Made up of three parts: House of Assembly, Senate, Governor-General.