Functions of Parliament: Legislation, Representation, Scrutiny, Legitimacy

Parliament performs several essential functions in the UK's system of government. Understanding these functions — and evaluating how effectively Parliament carries them out — is central to A-Level Politics. This lesson examines Parliament's four main functions: legislation, representation, scrutiny, and legitimacy.

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1. Legislation

Parliament's primary function is to make, amend, and repeal laws. All primary legislation (Acts of Parliament) must be approved by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords and receive Royal Assent.

How Effectively Does Parliament Legislate?

Strengths:

• Every bill is debated at multiple stages (see Lesson 3 on the legislative process).
• The Lords acts as a revising chamber, often improving the quality and clarity of legislation.
• Opposition parties and backbenchers can propose amendments.
• Select committees conduct pre-legislative scrutiny of draft bills.