Parliament

Parliament is a legislature. Legislature – a law making body; a group of people chosen or elected to make laws The legislature in the America is called the U.S. Congress.

The Palace of Westminster English Parliament meets in this building. Big Ben

Bicameral – a law making body made up of two branches (often called houses). Parliament is bicameral. This means if a law is to pass both groups of people meeting in these rooms must agree to it before it becomes a law. The House of Lords (nobles and clergy) The House of Commons (knights and townspeople)

The U. S. Capitol Building The U. S. Congress meets in this building.

Bicameral – a law making body made up of two branches (often called houses). U.S. Congress is bicameral. Both houses must agree to a law before it becomes official. The U.S. House of Representatives U.S. Senate

Model Parliament King Edward I (nicknamed Longshanks) wanted to go to war with France. He decided to call together nobles, clergy, knights and townspeople to discuss an increase in taxes to pay for the war. “What touches all should be approved by all.” said Edward I.

Power of the Purse Eventually Parliament would gain the ability to approve a raise in taxes. This became known as the Power of the Purse. This was the first power parliament would gain.

Power of the Purse Over the next few hundred years as parliament gains more powers, the English monarch would lose power. After the Magna Carta, this was the next great step towards a return to more democratic forms of government in Europe.