Emergence of Parliamentary State Structures - Great Britain

Emergence of Parliamentary State Structures - Great Britain

• The origins of democracy trace back to the Athenian polis, where the foundation was established.
• The British Parliament is known as the "Mother of Parliaments," an example of parliamentary democracy.
• Parliament, with its French equivalent "parlement" and Latin "parliamentum," represents the original legislative assembly of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and later, Great Britain and the United Kingdom.
• Former British colonies also have parliaments, similar in structure, though with variations. Examples include India's Rajya and Lok Sabha.
• The House of Lords originated in the 11th century.
• The House of Commons originated in the 13th century.

The Background

• In 1215, King John faced baronial resistance due to taxes and land seizures.
• The Archbishop of Canterbury supported the barons.
• Barons raised an army, and King John was forced to negotiate the Great Charter (Magna Carta).
• The Magna Carta acknowledged common people's demands as legal and established the authority of the King.
• It allowed discussions between the barons and the king regarding grievances.

The Origin of Parliament

• The word "Parliament" originally referred to after-dinner discussions among monks.
• In 1239 CE, the term "parliament" was used for a meeting of prelates, earls, and barons.
• In 1249 CE, Pope Innocent IV called a meeting in Lyon, France, leading to the excommunication of Frederick II.
• 13th-century kings began sending knights from the counties to advise on taxation matters.
• King Edward I held joint meetings, called the Magnum Concilium or Great Council, encompassing secular and religious leaders.

The Origin of Parliament (continued)

• The meetings of the king's council (Curia Regis or the Concilium Regis in Parliamento) also settled judicial issues beyond the scope of courts.
• The first representative parliament (or Model Parliament) was called in 1295 CE, featuring two knights per county, two burgesses per borough, and two citizens per city.
• During the 14th century, the common people participated in debates, with lords and knights/burgesses in separate chambers.

The Origin of Parliament (continued)

• Though "houses" were for discussions, there were three chambers: the king, Lords, and commoners.
• By the early 14th century, the king needed the consent of Parliament for new laws to become acts.
• Though Kings could make laws without Parliament, this was rare and unpopular.
• The eventual power shift to Parliament and elected members as ministers became common.

Changes in the House of Commons (1430)

• Electoral constituencies were divided into counties and boroughs.
• Only male landowners could vote in elections.
• Members of the House of Commons were wealthy, having significant annual incomes.
• This led to limited participation in voting.
• Reform of the voting system happened in 1862.

Scenario during the 17th Century

• Regular parliamentary meetings led to professional parliamentarians.
• Parliament often challenged the king's proposed laws and measures.
• A full-fledged opposition within Parliament did not form until the 17th century.
• The English Civil War, 1642-1651, saw conflict between Charles I's supporters and those opposed.
• Parliamentarians from England, Scotland (Covenanters), and Ireland (Confederates) were involved.
• The war stemmed from Charles I raising an army against Parliament's wishes, leading to his execution.
• Charles II fled to France.

Glorious Revolution (1688-89)

• This bloodless revolution deposed James II, and his daughter Mary and William of Orange took the throne.
• James II's unpopular support for Catholicism and decrees against dissenters led to the Revolution.
• James II fled to France.
• Parliament offered the crown to William and Mary.
• The Convention Parliament transformed into regular Parliament.
• The Declaration of Rights became the Bill of Rights.

Decline of the House of Lords

• Monarchs adapted the cabinet's composition to available talent, transferring power to Parliament-elected ministers.
• King George I (1714-1727) distanced himself from governance.
• Robert Walpole became the first unofficial prime minister.
• Prime Ministers remained members of the House of Commons, a practice later standardized.
• Resignation of Lord North in 1782 strengthened the House of Commons' influence.

Decline of the House of Lords (continued)

• The Acts of Parliament of 1911 and 1949 formalized restrictions on the House of Lords powers, specifically preventing their blocking of financial bills . - The House of Lords' powers to delay legislation were reduced.
• By 1990s the hereditary peers' power reduced and majority of hereditary peers were removed.

Present Role of the Monarch

• The monarch opens each parliamentary session with a speech.
• The speech contains proposed legislation.
• The monarch receives the speech from the Lord Chancellor or Lord Keeper of the Great Seal.

Role of the House of Commons

• The House of Commons (lower house) originated in the 13th century and is primarily the elected body of the British Parliament.
• It is more influential than the House of Lords.
• The House of Commons can override the House of Lords' rejection of bills.
• The House of Commons' term limits are fixed at five years.
• The membership has fluctuated over time. (e.g. increased from 658 to 707)
• Members are elected from various parts of the United Kingdom.

Role of the House of Lords

• The House of Lords (upper house) has a long history originating from the 11th century during Anglo-Saxon rule.
• The Lords Spiritual include religious leaders (archbishops and bishops).
• The Lords Temporal include hereditary peers and life peers appointed by the government.
• Currently the composition of the house has 670 members and extremely limited powers.
• It revises laws passed by the House of Commons and acts as a forum for debate unaffiliated with a party.