The legislature

Introduction

The legislature is often called the first organ of government because it lays down the laws the other organs apply. Names differ: Parliament (UK, Pakistan), Congress (USA), Duma (Russia), Knesset (Israel), Majlis (Iran).

Functions

• Law-making: passing new laws and amending or repealing old ones.
• Financial control: approving the budget, taxes and government spending; no tax can be imposed without its approval.
• Control over the executive: through questions, adjournment motions, debates, committees and votes of no-confidence.
• Constituent function: amending the constitution (in Pakistan, by a two-thirds majority of both houses).
• Electoral function: electing the Prime Minister, the Speaker and Chairman, and taking part in electing the President.
• Judicial function: in some systems, impeaching the President or removing judges.
• Deliberative function: debating national issues and reflecting public opinion.
• Representation: giving voice to all regions and groups, including women and minorities.

Unicameral and bicameral legislatures

• Unicameral: one house; simpler, quicker and cheaper; common in small or unitary states such as Sri Lanka and Türkiye.
• Bicameral: two houses; the lower house represents the people by population, the upper house represents regions or experience; common in federal states.
• Merits of bicameralism: protects smaller units, allows careful revision of bills, reduces hasty legislation.
• Criticism: can cause delay, duplication and deadlock between houses.

Pakistan's parliament

• National Assembly: 336 members (266 general seats elected directly, 60 reserved for women and 10 for non-Muslims); term of five years; money bills originate here; it elects the Prime Minister.
• Senate: 96 members elected mainly by the provincial assemblies for six years, half retiring every three years; each province has equal representation, which protects smaller provinces; it is a permanent house that is never dissolved.
• Provincial assemblies make laws on provincial subjects, which were greatly increased by the Eighteenth Amendment (2010).

Decline of legislatures and challenges

• Growth of executive power and delegated legislation.
• Strict party discipline and anti-defection rules reduce independent debate.
• Low attendance, weak committees and frequent walkouts.
• Use of presidential ordinances to bypass parliament.

Conclusion

A strong, active legislature is the heart of democracy. Its effectiveness depends on capable members, strong committees, free debate and an informed public.