Parliament of The Bahamas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Parliament of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas |
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|---|---|
| 13th Bahamian Parliament | |
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| Type | |
| Type | |
| Houses | Senate House of Assembly |
| History | |
| Founded | September 29, 1729 |
| Leadership | |
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Elizabeth II
Since 6 February 1952 |
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Sir Arthur Foulkes
Since 14 April 2010 |
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President of the Senate
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Sharon Wilson, PLP
Since 23 May 2012 |
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Speaker
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Dr Kendal Major, PLP
Since 23 May 2012 |
| Seats | 54 |
| Meeting place | |
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| Bahamian Parliament, Nassau, The Bahamas | |
The Parliament of The Bahamas is the main law-making body of The Bahamas. It is made up of two parts: the Senate and the House of Assembly. This type of parliament, with two chambers, is called bicameral.
The Parliament meets in Nassau, which is the capital city of The Bahamas. Its system of government is based on the Westminster system, like many countries that were once part of the British Empire. This means it has a similar way of working to the Parliament in the United Kingdom.
The House of Assembly
The House of Assembly is the "lower chamber" of the Parliament. It has 41 members. These members are called Members of Parliament, or MPs. People in The Bahamas vote to elect these MPs. Each MP serves for five years.
The House of Assembly is very important. It is where most of the country's laws are made. The Prime Minister is the leader of the political party that wins the most seats in the House of Assembly. At the moment, Mr. Alvin Smith is the Speaker of the House of Assembly. The Speaker leads the meetings and makes sure rules are followed.
The Senate
The Senate is the "upper house" of the Parliament. It has 16 members. These members are called Senators. Unlike the House of Assembly, Senators are not elected by the public. Instead, they are chosen by the Governor-General.
Here is how the Senators are chosen:
- Nine Senators are chosen based on the advice of the Prime Minister.
- Four Senators are chosen based on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition. The Leader of the Opposition is the head of the second-largest political party.
- Three Senators are chosen by the Prime Minister, but only after talking with the Leader of the Opposition.
The Senate also plays a role in making laws. It can approve laws that have been passed by the House of Assembly. The Senate can also suggest changes, or "amendments," to a law. If the Senate makes changes, the House of Assembly must approve them. The Senate even has the power to reject a law that the House of Assembly has passed.
From 2007, Mrs. Lynn Holowesko was the President of the Senate. She took over from Mrs. Sharon R. Wilson. The President leads the Senate's meetings.
See also
In Spanish: Parlamento de Bahamas para niños
