Advanced Parliamentary Theory and Practice

Overview

Parliaments and legislatures are central institutions to a democracy. They are subject to numerous demands, both from within the constitutional system, and from electors and the media.

While public reverence towards institutions has long since declined, the expectations placed upon them have only increased. And though this scrutiny principally targets the politicians, who are members of them, legislatures can only be as effective as the staff who work for them.

What you will learn

You’ll find this Advanced Parliamentary Theory and Practice course at King's College London particularly useful if you are an official in legislature, especially in Westminster-model systems, whether in the single House of a unicameral legislature or either House of a bicameral equivalent.

The aim of this module is to enable you to better appreciate the theoretical issues encountered and apply them in a way that improves their effectiveness. You will be provided with insight into how to maximise their effectiveness, and the challenges and opportunities that are likely to arise.

It will also consider, from the perspective of parliamentary officials, how the institution of Parliament can support members in performing their representative roles.