National Parliament as a Global Institution

Abstract

Purpose – The chapter analyzes national parliaments as a global institution.It discusses how the current world order comprising national legislatures evolved, how the parliaments work, and how they form a global network or field in that there is a travel of ideas and information between them. It shows that in their structures and practices, legislatures are very similar. As a key aspect of this global institution, the chapter concentrates on examining legislative practices as rituals, which contribute to sanctifying parliaments and legitimating political rule.Findings – The chapter points out that in addition to the sanctity of rational, evidence-based reasoning embodied in the authority of science, speakers observe rules that honor and sanctify three principles: national sovereignty, parliamentarians’ independence, and the common good.Originality/value – Despite an abundant field of parliamentary studies, national parliament as a global institution has been largely glossed over. Furthermore, there are studies on festive parliamentary ceremonies, but the regular practices have not been studied as rituals with globally shared sacred principles.