Mother of Parliaments:

Question 1

Introduction:

Answer 1

• John Bright’s Reference: England hailed as the “Mother of Parliaments” signifies its pivotal role in shaping parliamentary democracy globally.
• Parliament’s Emergence: Vital in curbing royal authority and embodying British political traditions.
• Global Influence: British parliamentary model served as a blueprint for colonial legislatures, extending its impact worldwide.

Question 2

Parliament Today:

Bicameral System:

Answer 2

• House of Commons: Lower house with elected Members of Parliament (MPs), responsible for proposing, drafting, and passing legislation.
• House of Lords: aka peers Upper house comprising appointed members, reviews and amends bills proposed by the Commons.
• Monarch: Formal part of Parliament, attends state opening and delivers the Queen’s Speech outlining government agenda.

Question 3

Parliament Today:

Legislative Power:

Answer 3

Parliament holds authority to make, pass, or amend laws, exercising legal sovereignty.

Question 4

Parliament Today:

State Opening:

Answer 4

Marks start of parliamentary session, attended by Monarch and members of both houses.

Question 5

Historical Overview:

Magna Carta (1215):

Answer 5

Imposed limits on royal power, guaranteed basic rights, laying foundation for parliamentary development.

Question 6

Model Parliament (1295):

Answer 6

Significant step towards fully representative English Parliament, featured bicameral structure.

Question 7

English Civil War (1642-1651):

Answer 7

Conflict led to monarchy’s abolition, establishment of Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell.

Question 8

Glorious Revolution (1688):

Answer 8

Overthrew King James II, established parliamentary sovereignty through Bill of Rights.

Question 9

19th Century Reform Acts:

Answer 9

Extended franchise, granting voting rights to common people, reducing aristocratic influence.

Question 10

Devolution (1998-1999):

Answer 10

Transfer of legislative power to local parliaments in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, promoting decentralization.

Question 11

Conclusion:

Answer 11

• Evolution of Parliament: From tool of nobles to representative institution reflecting people’s will.
• Milestones: Highlight ongoing power struggle between monarchy and Parliament, leading to parliamentary sovereignty.
• Devolution: Modern shift towards decentralization, recognizing diverse regional needs within the UK.