How do legislatures like US Congress and UK Parliament make and uphold laws?
Legislatures are the law-making bodies of a country. Their main role is to create, debate, pass, and sometimes repeal laws that govern the nation. They are essential in a democracy because they represent the people and ensure that government decisions follow legal procedures.
Two major legislatures in the world are:
1. US Congress
- The United States Congress is made up of two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
- A proposed law, called a bill, can start in either chamber (except money-related bills, which must begin in the House).
- The bill is first introduced, then discussed in committees, debated, possibly changed, and voted on in both the House and the Senate.
- If both chambers approve the bill, it goes to the President, who can either sign it into law or veto it (reject it). Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds vote.
- Congress also checks if laws are being enforced properly through oversight powers, such as investigations and hearings.
2. UK Parliament
- The UK Parliament is made up of the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and the Monarch.
- A bill usually begins in the House of Commons, where it is debated, reviewed in detail, and voted on.
- It then goes to the House of Lords for further examination and suggestions.
- If both Houses agree, the bill is sent for Royal Assent (approval by the King) and becomes law.
- Parliament also holds the government accountable through question times, committees, and debates.
How do legislatures uphold laws?
Legislatures do not enforce laws directly, but they play an important role in upholding them:
- They review existing laws to make improvements or remove outdated ones.
- They monitor how the government carries out laws and policies.
- They hold public officials accountable by conducting hearings and investigations.
- They can pass laws to fix gaps or clarify unclear legal points.
Similar Examples Around the World
- Indian Parliament functions with the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and follows similar processes of lawmaking.
- European Parliament works with the Council of the EU to adopt laws affecting member states.
- Canadian Parliament has a Senate and House of Commons and uses royal assent through the Governor General.
Why This Matters
- Laws are made through open discussion and voting.
- The voice of the public is represented.
- Governments cannot make rules secretly or unfairly.
- Power is balanced and not concentrated in one branch.
