Parliament

Definition

Parliament is the supreme legislative body in the United Kingdom, consisting of two houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. It plays a critical role in governance by creating laws, scrutinizing the government, and representing the interests of the public. This institution became a focal point during events like colonial governance and significantly influenced the push for independence in the American colonies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Parliament was established as a way to ensure representation and participation in government, evolving from early councils and assemblies.
2. The idea of 'no taxation without representation' became a rallying cry for American colonists who felt unfairly taxed by Parliament without having their own representatives.
3. In 1765, Parliament enacted the Stamp Act, which angered colonists and led to the formation of groups like the Sons of Liberty to resist British rule.
4. The Glorious Revolution in 1688 affirmed Parliament's power over the monarchy, setting a precedent that would inspire colonial calls for self-governance.
5. Parliament's decisions and laws directly affected colonial life, contributing to rising tensions that eventually culminated in the American Revolution.

Review Questions

• How did Parliament's authority influence colonial governance in America prior to the revolution?
  • Parliament's authority significantly impacted colonial governance as it imposed laws and taxes directly affecting the colonies. Acts like the Stamp Act demonstrated Parliament's control over taxation without providing colonists any representation in decision-making. This led to increasing resentment among colonists, who felt their rights were being violated, ultimately pushing them toward rebellion and independence.
• Analyze the relationship between Parliament's legislative actions and colonial resistance movements during the pre-revolutionary period.
  • Parliament's legislative actions, particularly its taxation policies and regulatory measures, fueled resistance movements across the American colonies. Colonists organized protests and formed groups like the Continental Congress in response to perceived injustices, such as the Stamp Act. This resistance highlighted a growing divide between colonial aspirations for self-governance and Parliament's insistence on control, setting the stage for revolutionary sentiment.
• Evaluate how Parliament's evolution over time set precedents that influenced both British governance and colonial attitudes leading to independence.
  • Parliament's evolution over centuries established crucial precedents regarding representation and governmental authority. The shift from absolute monarchy to parliamentary sovereignty influenced how colonists viewed their rights and representation. The Magna Carta laid early groundwork for limiting royal power, while events like the Glorious Revolution emphasized parliamentary supremacy, inspiring colonists to demand similar governance structures. These precedents fostered a revolutionary spirit that culminated in their quest for independence from British rule.

Related terms

House of Commons: The lower house of Parliament, where Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected to represent constituencies and make laws.

Stamp Act:

A 1765 law passed by Parliament that imposed a direct tax on the colonies, leading to widespread protests and resistance.

Magna Carta: A foundational document signed in 1215 that limited the powers of the monarchy and established principles that would influence parliamentary governance.