Parliament
Definition
The supreme legislative body in countries with a parliamentary system of government.
Explanation
Parliament is where elected representatives debate and pass laws. The UK Parliament, often called the 'Mother of Parliaments,' consists of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Canada's Parliament includes the Senate and the House of Commons. Australia's Federal Parliament comprises the Senate and the House of Representatives. In all three countries, the government is formed by the party (or coalition) that commands a majority in the lower house. The US uses the term 'Congress' rather than 'Parliament,' reflecting its presidential rather than parliamentary system.
Why this matters for your test
UK, Canadian, and Australian test takers should know the structure of their Parliament and how it works. US test takers should know about Congress.
Frequently asked questions
What does Parliament mean?
The supreme legislative body in countries with a parliamentary system of government. Parliament is where elected representatives debate and pass laws. The UK Parliament, often called the 'Mother of Parliaments,' consists of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Canada's Parliament includes the Senate and the House of Commons. Australia's Federal Parliament comprises the Senate and the House of Representatives. In all three countries, the government is formed by the party (or coalition) that commands a majority in the lower house. The US uses the term 'Congress' rather than 'Parliament,' reflecting its presidential rather than parliamentary system.
Why is Parliament important for the citizenship test?
UK, Canadian, and Australian test takers should know the structure of their Parliament and how it works. US test takers should know about Congress.
How might Parliament appear on the test?
Expect a multiple-choice question that either asks for the definition of Parliament, or asks you to identify it from a short scenario. Practising real exam-style questions is the fastest way to lock the term in.
Source: General civics terminology
