Parliament makes laws, debates issues of the day, represents the views of people across

the UK and checks and challenges the work of the Government

Wait a minute, Parliament isn't the same as the Government?

It's the Government that takes a leading role in running of the country, but there is also

a bigger picture...

So, there's The House of Commons -- that's where the Government sits, along with the

opposition (who sits opposite them... of course). This is the elected Chamber and it's made

up of MPs who represent all 650 UK constituencies

Then there's the House of Lords, made up mostly of Life peers, who are appointed for their

knowledge and experience. There is no political party with overall control in the Lords and

many of its members - the crossbenchers and the bishops - are non-party political.

Finally there's the Monarch, her role is mainly ceremonial these days -- but she does still

sign every new law

So what does Parliament do all day?

Inside the debating chambers the big issues are discussed, new laws agreed and the Prime

Minister is questioned...

...While a host of committees, made up of small groups of Parliamentarians, scrutinize

the work of Government Departments, check the details of new laws and ask experts and

the public (that's you) for ideas and evidence to shape their enquiries.

Representing the people, passing laws, debating issues and checking and challenging the work

of the Government -- it's all in a day's work for Parliament.