Parliament is a crucial institution in many democratic countries, responsible for making and passing laws. It typically consists of two houses: the lower house, which represents the general population, and the upper house, which may represent regions or specific interests. Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected to represent the views and needs of their constituents. In addition to law-making, Parliament also plays a vital role in scrutinizing the government, debating policies, and approving budgets. This ensures that the government remains accountable to the people. Notable examples include the House of Commons and House of Lords in the United Kingdom, and the United States Congress in the United States.