HISTORY OF PARLIAMENT

The history of parliamentary systems is a rich and diverse one, with variations in structure and function across different countries and time periods. Here’s a broad overview of the history of parliaments:

1. Early Parliaments and Assemblies: The concept of parliamentary assemblies can be traced back to ancient civilizations. In ancient Greece, the Athenian Assembly is often considered a precursor to modern parliaments, where citizens gathered to make decisions collectively. Similarly, the Roman Republic had a Senate as a deliberative body.
2. Medieval Assemblies: In medieval Europe, various assemblies and councils played a role in advising monarchs and nobility. For example, the English Parliament, which emerged in the 13th century, consisted of the House of Commons (representatives of the common people) and the House of Lords (nobility and clergy). This marked a shift toward representative institutions.
3. Development of Representative Democracy: The growth of representative democracy gained momentum in the early modern period. The English Civil War and Glorious Revolution in the 17th century played a significant role in defining the powers of Parliament, constitutional monarchy, and the concept of parliamentary sovereignty.
4. American Revolution: The American Revolution in the late 18th century resulted in the formation of the United States Congress, a bicameral legislature, and the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, which established a democratic system with separation of powers and checks and balances.
5. French Revolution: The French Revolution of 1789 led to the establishment of the French National Assembly and the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, which articulated principles of representative democracy.
6. Parliamentary Democracy in the 19th Century: In the 19th century, the idea of parliamentary democracy began to spread, with various countries adopting representative systems. The British parliamentary model influenced many of these systems.
7. Colonial and Post-Colonial Development: Many former colonies adopted parliamentary systems upon gaining independence. They often adapted models from their former colonial rulers. For example, India adopted a parliamentary system based on the British model.
8. Evolution of Parliamentary Systems: Parliaments have continued to evolve in response to changing political, social, and economic dynamics. In many countries, reforms have expanded the franchise, increased the powers of elected representatives, and enhanced the separation of powers.
9. Contemporary Parliamentary Systems: Today, parliamentary systems exist in a wide range of forms and functions. The structures of parliaments can vary, and the powers they hold depend on the specific constitutional arrangements of each country. Key examples include the United Kingdom’s Westminster system, Germany’s federal parliamentary system, and the parliamentary republics in many European countries.
10. Global Impact: The parliamentary model has had a significant global impact, shaping the principles of democratic governance and political representation. Many international organizations and forums, such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union, facilitate cooperation and the exchange of best practices among parliaments worldwide.

The history of parliaments reflects the development of representative democracy, the struggle for political rights and participation, and the ongoing adaptation of political institutions to meet the needs of modern societies. While the specific structures and functions of parliaments may vary, their role as a cornerstone of democratic governance remains a common thread throughout history.