What is parliament? At first glance, a very simple question. However, many social surveys demonstrate 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 parliament is. When and why did it arise, what is its essence. And is there an alternative to this concept in the modern world.
What is parliament? History of occurrence
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 noble councils under the monarch were a kind of deliberative body. General states in France, Boyar Duma or Zemsky Sobor in the Moscow state, Cortes in Spain, Landsrat in some German lands. The powers of parliament in different eras of European history (this is the brainchild of Europe itself) have changed significantly. During the period of strengthening monarchical power, the so-called absolutism, the noble councils of many countries became just advisory bodies that did not have any significant influence on the country's policy. And even completely abolished by the king. Parliament received its rebirth already in the New Age, when teachings on civil rights and the people as the bearer of the highest state power expanded in Europe. In the conditions of democratization of societies, they again, as once in the Greek policies, needed a representative authority. He became the parliament, which received at its disposal the legislative power. The concept of a regularly reelected council of deputies as a representative body from all categories of the population has become so popular that in the 20th century it spread throughout the globe.
What to do today without parliament?
Interestingly, the different historical experience for each of the modern states gave them their own structure of government system. For some, quite extraordinary. So, the modern Vatican is the only country in the world with theocratic governance of a spiritual leader as head of state. Legislative advice is simply not needed here. Yes, and could not get along like a bulky organ. Moreover, contrary to the meaning of the Vatican as an independent residence of the Papal Administration. There is no parliament in today's Brunei either. 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 name.
What is parliament and what is it like today
However, the vast majority of modern states have precisely a parliamentary system. Although here there are differences. So, a number of European countries have a bicameral legislative council. Most often, it is rather a tribute to the respected aristocratic clans who sit in the upper house. In England, for example, this is the so-called House of Lords. The parliamentary elections of this superior chamber are not foreseen at all. It consists of lifelong 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 veto or postponement. The United States also has a bicameral parliament. However, here the chambers have nothing to do with tradition. The Senate and the House of Representatives differ in powers. And they were created as an additional lever to avoid usurpation of power. Most modern deputy councils have only one chamber and are legislative bodies. Although in special cases they have different powers regarding 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 a government. Unlike Spanish, the Ukrainian parliament has the power to form the Cabinet of Ministers.