Learn & Equip
Chapter 3

Lesson 1: Parliament vs Government: What’s the Difference?

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IN THIS LESSON

The Confusion

People often say "Parliament" when they mean "the Government" — and vice versa. But they’re not the same.

Knowing the difference helps you direct your advocacy to the right people, at the right time..

What Is Parliament?

Parliament is the UK’s legislature — the place where laws are debated, amended, and approved.

It has three parts:

  1. The House of Commons – 650 elected MPs

  2. The House of Lords – appointed and hereditary members

  3. The Monarch – who gives formal Royal Assent to laws

Parliament’s role is to:

  • Debate and pass laws

  • Scrutinise government policy and spending

  • Represent the public through elected MPs

  • Hold the government accountable

Parliament does not run the country. It checks the people who do.

What Is Government?

The Government is the UK’s executive — the people who make decisions, run departments, and implement laws.

It is led by:

  • The Prime Minister (appointed by the King, leader of the largest party in the Commons)

  • The Cabinet – senior ministers in charge of key areas like Health, Education, Defence

  • Departments – each headed by a Secretary of State (e.g. Department for Education, Home Office)

Government’s role is to:

  • Create policies

  • Propose laws (bills)

  • Deliver public services

  • Manage the budget and national priorities

Think of it Like This

Parliament: Debates and passes laws; Asks questions and challenges; Made up of MPs and Lords; Represents all parties

Government: Proposes and implements laws; Answers questions and defends decisions; Made up of ministers and civil servants; Controlled by the party in power

Points of Influence

Parliament (MPs) > Write letters, book meetings, invite them to events, brief them

Government Ministers > Respond to consultations, send formal submissions, campaign

Committees > Submit evidence, request inquiries, attend public sessions

Both > Combine pressure — MP support + media pressure + public petition

Why It Matters

  • If you want a law changed, your MP in Parliament is the route

  • If you want a policy reviewed, a minister in the Government is who to contact

  • If you’re trying to stop a proposal, ask:
    → Is this in a Bill? → Influence Parliament
    → Is this in a consultation or policy paper? → Pressure Government

Final Tip

The Government is more powerful, but Parliament is more accessible.
Strategic advocacy usually involves both pressuring decision-makers and holding them to account through elected MPs.