1. Parliament
Lesson 1
01/11/10

2. Definition
• Parliament has many functions, but is
mostly known for its legal function as the
LEGISLATURE
• This does not mean that Parliament
makes law but that it LEGITIMISES it
• Over the next term we will look at the
functions of Parliament

3. Historical Context
• From the middle ages onwards, English
monarchs called together representatives from
the aristocracy (later to become the House of
Lords), the boroughs (towns) and the counties
(later to become the House of Commons) to
ADVISE him
• This is key as early Parliaments were called by
the monarch rather than the people, thus they
were NOT an expression of DEMOCRACY

4. Functions of Parliament up to the
latter part of the 17th
Century
• To give legitimacy to laws the monarch
wished to see enacted
• To give consent to taxation
• Notable exception to this were during the
reign of Charles 1 who attempted to
govern without Parliament and was
executed by Parliament in 1649

5. Early role of Parliament
• To support the Monarch rather than to
control his/her power

6. Early role of Parliament
• To support the Monarch rather than to
control his/her power