• Parliament provides checks and balances for governments.parliment image by Paul Moore from Fotolia.com
  
  A parliament's duties are much like those of the legislative branch of the United States government. Eligible members must run for election. The British Parliament's legislative model has been a major influence on other countries with the same system of government. Although responsibilities can differ between countries, a nation's parliament is a powerful branch of government with broad duties.
  
  

Representing the People

• Much like the United States Congress, members of a parliament must stand for election. They are the voice of the people during meetings and must stand by their promises to the people. If a member of parliament fails to uphold his responsibilities, he may not be re-elected. Prime ministers---often those who lead the majority party in a parliament---who violate the laws and constitution of the country can be impeached.
  
  

Balancing the Powers of Government

• An important role all parliaments have is to balance the powers of government. All proposals must pass by the parliament for approval before becoming law. Parliament has the responsibility to check the other branches of government. As the eyes, ears and mouth of the people, parliament also investigates the use of money by the government and questions the motivations behind government spending.
  
  

Approve and Amending Laws

• In most cases, laws cannot be passed or changed without parliament's approval. Parliament has the power to amend laws it feels will not benefit the people. In the British Parliament, for example, before becoming law a proposed bill must pass both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Each house of parliament holds meetings to discuss the bill before coming together to make a decision. Most parliamentary countries follow the British Parliament's two-house model for balance within the parliament.