The Bahamas follows the Westminster Model of Governance, first developed by England. This system is bicameral (Consisting of two chambers) with an appointed Senate and an elected House of Assembly. His Majesty the King, represented by the Governor General, is also part of The Bahamas Parliament. Parliament is the forum where public policy and matters of national importance are debated.
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Functions of Parliament
The Parliament is mandated by Article 52(l) of the Constitution to make laws for the peace, order and good government of The Bahamas. The Constitution authorizes Parliament to make laws by passing Bills. The Constitution also empowers Parliament to:
Determine the privileges, immunities and powers of the Senate and House of Assembly.
Alter or amend any of the provisions of the constitution.
Regulate its own procedures by making rules of procedure.
Prescribe the officers who are to constitute the personal staff of the Governor-General.
Prescribe the number of Justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
Approve the Government’s budget.
In addition to its constitutional functions, Parliament maintains oversight of Government’s financial matters through the Public Accounts Committee.
The Legislative Process
Under the provision of Article 52 (1) of the Constitution, Parliament is mandated to make laws for the peace, order and good governance of The Bahamas. During each session, Parliament passes laws in order to enhance the quality of life for Bahamians. Parliament does not enact laws in a vacuum, but rather it passes laws to fulfill needs in the society.
The demands of The Bahamas society are constantly changing and Parliament through the legislative process must remain dynamic and responsive to those demands. Parliament does not make very many entirely new laws. Most of the laws passed by Parliament are for the modification or amendment of existing laws.
History
The First meeting of Parliament (General Assembly) took place on 29th September 1729, and was made up of twenty-four members representing the Islands of New Providence, Eleuthera and Harbour Island.