THULARE SELLO MARCUS
STUDENT NO:250102326
THE ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF PARLIAMENT
[IDENTIFY AND APPLY RELEVANT LAWS TO COMPILE THE STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
RELEVANT INSTUTUTION IN THE COUNTRY AND THE RESPECTIVE PROVINCES
05 MARCH 2025
UNIVERSITY OF LIMPOPO
EDUPARK AVENUE POLOKWANE 0699
ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF PARLIAMENT
. INTRODUCTION
>Parliament is a central institution in any democratic system of government, tasked with
representing the people and ensuring that the executive is held accountable. It is a
fundamental feature of representing democracies and plays a vital role in shaping laws,
protecting rights, and scrutinizing the activities of the government. The roles and functions of
parliament can vary depending on the country’s political system [example, parliamentary,
presidential], but some core functions are universally acknowledged.
1. Law making function
. Primary legislative role: The most fundamental role of parliament is to make laws. This
includes drafting, reviewing, and enacting legislation that impacts every aspect of society,
from economic policies to social welfare.
. Process: A bill is introduced by MPs or the government and undergoes multiple readings
and committee stages. After the bill has been scrutinized and amended, it is voted on. If
passed, it is sent for royal assent [in constitutional monarchies] or presidential approval [in
republics], after which it becomes law.
. Types of legislation: This includes primary legislation [ acts of parliament] and secondary
legislation [delegated or subordinate legislation], which allows the executives to make
detailed rules within the framework of primary laws.
. Statutory Instruments: These are laws made by ministers under powers given to them by
an Act of parliament, enabling the government to fill in the details of primary legislation
without requiring full parliamentary approval.
2. Scrutinizing the Executive
. Holding the government Accountable: Parliament ensures that the government [executive]
is acting in the public’s best interest. This is achieved through debates, questions, and other
mechanisms that put pressure on ministers and public officials.
. Parliamentary committees: Committees play a key role in scrutinizing the work of the
government. These include public accounts committees, which scrutinize government
spending, and select committees, which investigate specific departments or issues
[example, health, education, defence].
. Question time: In many parliamentary systems, the prime minister and other government
ministers are required to answer questions from MPs during sessions such as Prime
Minister’s Questions [PMQs]. This is a direct form of scrutiny.
. No-Confidence Motions: Parliament can express disapproval of the government by passing
a vote to the resignation of the Prime Minister or trigger general elections.
3. Representation of the People
Role: Parliament represents the interests and views of the people. Elected members [MPs or
senators] serve as a direct link between citizens and the government.
. How it works: MPs represent their constituents-individuals or group of people who voted for
them. They communicate the concerns of their electorate during the debates, propose laws,
and vote on policies that impact the country
. Example: In the UK, MPs often hold regular “surgeries” where they meet with constituents
to discuss local issues or concerns, such as housing, healthcare, or education.
Importance: Representation is a key to ensuring that all sections of the society have a voice
in shaping the laws and policies that govern them.
3. Protection of Rights and Liberties
Role: Parliament protects citizens’ fundamental rights and liberties, ensuring that laws are
not passed that infringes on personal freedoms.
. How it works: Parliament debates laws that safeguard civil liberties, such as freedom of
speech, the right to fair trial, and protection from discrimination. It also addresses issues like
privacy, freedom of assembly, and press freedom.
. Example: The Human Rights Act 1998 in the UK incorporated European human rights laws
into UK law, ensuring citizens’ rights were protected against government overreach.
Importance: Parliament’s role in protecting rights is crucial for maintaining democratic values
and ensuring that government power is exercised fairly.
5. Approval of Treaties and agreements.
. International relations: Parliament must ratify significant international treaties or
agreements negotiated by the executive.
. Example: The US Senate must ratify treaties like the Paris Climate Agreement to ensure
national approval before the Country commits to international obligations.
