National parliaments are the legislative bodies of countries, responsible for making and passing laws. They represent the interests of the citizens and ensure that the government is held accountable. Members of national parliaments, often called MPs (Members of Parliament), are elected by the public and work together to discuss important issues, propose new laws, and debate policies that affect the nation. Each national parliament has its own structure and rules, but they typically consist of two houses: an upper house and a lower house. For example, in the United States, the national parliament is known as Congress, which includes the Senate and the House of Representatives. These institutions play a crucial role in shaping the country's laws and governance.