What is Parliament? | UK Parliament Week for Kids

Summary

The UK Parliament is composed of three key elements: the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and the Monarch. The House of Commons, made up of elected MPs, represents the public's views, while the House of Lords provides expertise to challenge the government. The Monarch’s role is mostly ceremonial, meeting with the Prime Minister weekly. Parliament, located at the Palace of Westminster, is crucial in shaping laws, debating issues like health and crime, and scrutinizing the government. UK Parliament Week engages the public through various events, promoting understanding of Parliament's work.

Takeaways

• 😀 Parliament is made up of three parts: the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and the Monarch.
• 😀 The House of Commons consists of elected Members of Parliament (MPs) who represent the public.
• 😀 The House of Lords is made up of appointed members, chosen for their expertise and experience to challenge the Government.
• 😀 The Monarch's role is mostly ceremonial, including meeting with the Prime Minister and signing new laws.
• 😀 The UK Parliament is located in the Palace of Westminster, a landmark building in London.
• 😀 The House of Commons features green benches, while the House of Lords has red benches.
• 😀 The Palace of Westminster is famous for its clock tower, known as Big Ben.
• 😀 Parliament's main duties include challenging the Government, making and changing laws, and debating important issues.
• 😀 The issues debated in Parliament affect the public, covering areas like health, environment, transport, jobs, schools, and crime.
• 😀 Parliament's job is distinct from the Government's, as it holds the Government accountable for its actions.
• 😀 UK Parliament Week, celebrated from November 6th to 12th, engages people with Parliament through events like lunches, debates, and quizzes.

Q & A

What are the three parts of the UK Parliament?

The UK Parliament is made up of three parts: the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and the Monarch (the King or Queen).

Who are the Members of Parliament (MPs) and what is their role?

Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected to represent the views of the public in the House of Commons. They play a crucial role in making decisions and law-making.

How are members of the House of Lords selected?

Members of the House of Lords are appointed based on their special experience and knowledge, and can come from both inside and outside of Parliament.

What is the main role of the Monarch in the UK Parliament?

The Monarch's role is mainly ceremonial. They meet with the Prime Minister once a week, sign new laws, and attend the State Opening of Parliament.

Where is the UK Parliament located?

The UK Parliament is located in the centre of London, in the Palace of Westminster, which is one of the most iconic buildings in the world.

What is significant about the design of the House of Commons and the House of Lords?

The House of Commons features green-coloured benches, while the House of Lords has red-coloured benches. This distinction is a unique feature of the two chambers.

What are the main tasks of Parliament?

The main tasks of Parliament are to check and challenge the work of the Government, make and change laws, and debate important issues affecting the country, such as health, environment, transport, jobs, schools, and crime.

How does Parliament differ from the Government in the UK?

The Government is responsible for running the country, whereas Parliament's job is to check and challenge the actions of the Government.

What is UK Parliament Week, and when does it take place?

UK Parliament Week is an annual event that takes place from the 6th to the 12th of November. It engages people across the country with the work of the UK Parliament through various events and activities.

What kind of events take place during UK Parliament Week?

During UK Parliament Week, events such as lunches with politicians, film screenings, community debates, and quizzes are organized to help the public engage with parliamentary matters.