A parliamentary vote allows citizens to endorse, amend or reject laws that affect their daily lives. These laws range from environmental regulations to migration policies. Citizens also exert influence over the selection of European Commission presidents, and by voting in upcoming elections they can shape policies that impact all EU member states.
A parliament’s lawmaking process is governed by a blend of constitutional provisions, statute law, Standing Orders and Speakers’ rulings. Constitutional provisions dictate essential elements like the length of Parliament’s term and quorum requirements, while statute laws regulate electoral and operational processes. Standing Orders codify rules in relation to various aspects of parliamentary proceedings, and they may be reviewed and amended by the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs. Provisional, sessional and special orders temporarily adjust or suspend procedural rules. Speakers’ rulings resolve procedural concerns raised by Members and establish precedents.
In most parliamentary democracies, laws are subject to judicial review only if they violate provisions of the supreme law of the land, the constitution. However, there are a number of exceptions. In the UK and New Zealand, for example, the head of state (Monarch or Governor General) can withhold assent to any Act passed by Parliament.
In most parliamentary systems, the prime minister must be a member of Parliament. A small number of parliamentary democracies, such as Bangladesh, Denmark, and Sweden, employ strict monism; other countries, including the Netherlands, Slovakia, and the UK permit extra-parliamentary ministers.
