This indicator concerns key parliamentary powers relating to security, defence and foreign affairs. Although some of these policy areas have often traditionally been considered to be led by the executive, many parliaments have key decision-making powers, and all parliaments play an important oversight role.

This indicator concerns the constitutional separation of powers between parliament, as the legislative branch, and other branches of government, namely the executive, the judiciary and subnational levels of government. It also covers mechanisms for communication or coordination between parliament and other branches with regard to parliament’s jurisdictional powers, such as legislative oversight of the executive, judicial appointments, and coordination and information-sharing with subnational levels of government. 

The representative role is a core function of parliament and of MPs. This indicator focuses on two key aspects of that representative role: the interaction between MPs and the people they represent, and the role of the opposition. The common thread is that parliament should be the place where opinions across society, in all their diversity, are expressed.

Annual budget legislation, and any associated legislation related to government revenue-raising and expenditure, are among the most important pieces of legislation considered by parliament. In democratic systems, parliament plays a key role in approving and overseeing the raising and spending of public funds on behalf of citizens. Whereas revenue-raising is usually considered a part of the normal law-making process, the spending of funds constitutes a special function, and many parliaments therefore have separate finance (raising) and budget (spending) committees.

Parliamentary oversight Parliamentary oversight The close examination and investigation of government policies, actions and spending that is carried out by parliament to ensure they are reaching their intended beneficiaries appropriately, equitably and with integrity. is one of the core functions of parliament. Its aims are to promote people’s freedoms and well-being, and to improve accountability and transparency in government.

In most jurisdictions, law-making is regarded as parliament’s primary function. The principles that underpin law-making are usually set out in the country’s constitution and/or other aspects of the legal framework.

Parliamentary business needs to be supported by a capable and independent parliamentary administration. The parliamentary administration should be independent of the executive, be free from political influence in its day-to-day operation, and provide support to all MPs impartially.

Parliament Parliament A national body of elected (or sometimes appointed) representatives that makes laws, debates issues and holds the government to account. is a unique setting that brings together MPs with equal status who represent diverse political opinions. Organizing the work of parliament therefore requires a collective decision-making system and a complex structure.