Parliament is the highest legislative body in the UK, consisting of two chambers and headed by a lord speaker. The British monarch is part of it, but is not the head. The English parliament came from the ancient royal council, it is often called the "mother of parliaments", although it is not the oldest in the world.
Early history of parliament
Since the eighth century AD, a class monarchy began to take shape in Europe; the same process took place in England. The power over the territory and the population belonged to the king, who needed to prevent the feudal separatism and create a tax system and a bureaucratic apparatus to strengthen the state, for which he needed the establishment of a state organization. From the middle of the XII century it became obligatory to hold assemblies of vassals who became the forerunners of the parliament. At first, only the highest vassals participated in such meetings, then the middle ones could also take part.
In the XIII century, this collection turned into a council of magnates - spiritual and secular barons. He convened several times a year to resolve political issues. Gradually, his role began to increase, and during the Civil War, the influence of tycoons increased significantly. Its members wanted to take control of the king’s power, which caused discontent among the knights and ordinary citizens. Opposition leader Montfort proposed the formation of a new state structure, and in 1264 a parliament was convened, where several representatives from the counties were invited to know.
Parliament development
In the middle of the XIV century, the parliament was divided into two chambers: Lords and communities, although then these names were not in use, they were called upper and lower. The first was attended by representatives of the church and secular aristocracy, the second included representatives of chivalry and citizens. Members of the lower house received remuneration for their work, while the Lords were not paid.
At the end of that century, the post of speaker appeared, who represented a certain chamber, although he did not head it - the king was still considered the leader. Parliament was assembled at least once a year, but sometimes more, up to four. Records of the records were in French or Latin, and even in spoken language they used French for a long time, and only in 1363 did they sometimes begin to make speeches in English.
In the XV century, the status of a deputy was formed, which was given certain privileges and immunity. Members of parliament were highly respected. Parliament performed many functions in the state, but the main thing was that it was a legislative body. The lower house put forward a proposal - a bill that was approved by the Lords and then sent for signature to the king. Parliament even had the right to change kings on the throne, the first precedent happened in 1327, when Edward II was removed from the English throne.
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