Parliament Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐๏ธ
parliament
[หpษหrlษmษnt ]
Definition
political institution
A parliament is a legislative body of government that represents the citizens of a country. It is responsible for making laws, debating issues, and overseeing the government's actions.
Synonyms
assembly, congress, legislature.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
parliament |
This term is commonly used in countries with a royal or parliamentary system such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. It refers to the supreme legislative body that governs the country.
|
legislature |
This term is a more formal, inclusive term that can be used to refer to any legislative body at various levels of government. Itโs a general term that can apply to any country or region.
|
congress |
Typically used in the context of the United States and some Latin American countries, it refers to the legislative branch of government which often includes two houses (e.g., the Senate and the House of Representatives).
|
assembly |
This is a general term that can refer to any legislative or deliberative body. It is often used in contexts related to local or regional governments, as well as in specific political systems like the United Nations General Assembly.
|
Examples of usage
- The parliament passed a new law on education.
- Members of parliament debated the budget proposal.
- The prime minister addressed the parliament on foreign policy issues.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'parliament'
The word 'parliament' originated from the Old French word 'parlement', meaning 'speaking'. It first appeared in the English language in the 13th century. The concept of a parliament as a representative legislative body developed in England in the 13th and 14th centuries, with the Model Parliament of 1295 being a significant milestone. Over time, the idea spread to other countries, becoming a common feature of democratic governments.