What are some of the duties of Members of Parliament?

Members of Parliament, or MPs, are elected to represent a specific geographic area called a constituency. Their primary role is to be the voice of their constituents in Parliament. This means listening to their concerns and advocating for their needs. Beyond representation, MPs are central to the law-making process. They debate proposed laws, called Bills, and vote on whether they should become law. This involves detailed scrutiny and amendment of legislation. Another crucial duty is holding the government accountable. MPs question ministers, examine government policies, and challenge their decisions. This ensures transparency and prevents abuse of power. Finally, Parliament is the forum for national debate. MPs discuss important issues facing the country, contributing their perspectives and shaping public opinion. So, while MPs might occasionally help constituents with specific issues, their core duties are much broader: representing, legislating, scrutinizing, and debating.