The Role and Function of Parliament 1 2

The Role and Function of Parliament

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Introduction Extent of Parliamentary Power Implications of Parliamentary Sovereignty Functions of Parliament Privileges Conclusion

1. Introduction Oliver Cromwell

(a) What is Parliament? • Erskine May: ‘Parliament is composed of the Sovereign, the House of Lords and the House of Commons. These several powers collectively form the legislature; and as distinct members of the constitution they exercise and enjoy privileges peculiar to each. ’

(b) Where does/should power lie in parliament? w Transition from the dominance of the Crown in the Middle Ages to the dominance of the Ministers of the Crown in the 20 th century

The Parliament Act, 1911 Money Bill to become law within a month of passing through the Commons w Lords could only delay other bills for two parliamentary sessions w Amended by Parliament Act, 1949, reducing the delay to one session w

2. The Extent of Parliamentary Power. Determined by the Bill of Rights 1689 that ONLY Parliament had the right to change the law w Underpinned by the Act of Settlement, 1700, securing the independence of the Judiciary w Doctrine of Parliamentary Sovereignty w

3. Implications of Parliamentary Sovereignty w w w Courts can only interpret Act of Parliament cannot bind its successor Parliament can pass retrospective legislation No territorial limits to Acts of Parliament not limited by rules of International Law Parliament has no rival authority

4. Functions of Parliament w w w w w Provides personnel for the government Training Representational Legislative Legitimating Financial Debating Scrutinising of the executive Judicial

5. Privileges w w w w Freedom of Speeches in Parliament are not actionable Strangers can be excluded Controls its own proceedings Controls the publication of its proceedings Each House has exclusive jurisdiction Freedom from arrest and molestation Access to the sovereign through Speaker

6 Conclusion Parliament is Sovereign (not the people) w Powers have shifted to the Commons or rather its leaders in the cabinet. w Privileges protect members from executive and judicial constraints w De facto limitations on de jure power is extensive w