In most democratic countries, the Parliament is composed of two houses – the lower house and the upper house. The lower house, often called the House of Representatives or the House of Commons, is generally larger in size and reflects the population distribution of the country. The members of the lower house are elected through a general election, where every eligible citizen gets to vote for their preferred candidate. The seats in the lower house are allocated based on the number of votes each political party or candidate receives. This ensures that the representation is in proportion to the support they garner from the public.
The upper house, on the other hand, is usually smaller in size and represents specific regions or groups within the country. The members of the upper house are often appointed or elected by the state or regional governments, or through specialized bodies such as trade unions or religious organizations. This ensures that the different regions or interest groups are represented and have a say in the legislative process. The upper house acts as a revising chamber, scrutinizing and amending legislation proposed by the lower house.
Apart from the composition of the legislature houses, other factors that influence the composition of the Parliament include electoral systems, reserved seats, and affirmative actions. The electoral system used to elect the members has a significant impact on the composition of the Parliament. In some countries, a first-past-the-post system is used, where the candidate with the highest number of votes wins the seat, regardless of the percentage of votes received. This often leads to a winner-takes-all situation where smaller or regional parties are underrepresented. On the other hand, proportional representation systems ensure that the number of seats a political party receives is proportional to the votes it receives.
Reserved seats are another mechanism used to ensure representation of certain groups within the Parliament. These seats are set aside for marginalized communities, ethnic or religious minorities, or women. The idea behind reserved seats is to provide a platform for underrepresented groups to voice their concerns and participate in the decision-making process. This helps in achieving a more inclusive and diverse Parliament.
Affirmative actions are also employed to improve the representation of certain groups in the Parliament. These actions aim to correct historical imbalances and promote equal opportunities for marginalized sections of society. They can take the form of reserved seats, quotas, or incentives for parties to field diverse candidates. By encouraging the participation of these groups in politics, affirmative actions contribute to a more representative Parliament.
The composition of the Parliament plays a crucial role in shaping the policies and laws of a country. A diverse and inclusive Parliament ensures that the interests of all sections of society are taken into account during the decision-making process. It promotes equitable representation and helps build a stronger democracy.
In conclusion, the composition of the Parliament is determined by several factors, including the size and structure of the houses, the electoral system, reserved seats, and affirmative actions. These factors aim to ensure that the Parliament represents the diversity of society and provides a platform for all citizens to have their voices heard. A well-composed Parliament is an essential aspect of a democratic system as it shapes the policies and laws that govern the country.