The House of Representatives

Understanding the Legislature

The National Assembly, which is the Legislature of Belize, consists of three bodies: the Governor-General, the Senate and the House of Representatives. Members of the House of Representatives are elected in a general election under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act while the Members of the Senate are appointed by the Governor-General.

There are thirty-one elected Members of the House of Representatives. The party with the majority of seats in the House of Representatives forms the Government.

The Executive Branch of the Government is headed by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers. The Cabinet consists of the Prime Minister and the other Ministers, who are appointed from among the members of the House of Representatives and the Senate. As provided for in the Constitution (section 40(2)), the Cabinet shall comprise no more than two-thirds of the elected members of the party that holds the majority of seats in the House of Representatives following a general election, together with no more than four Senators. As the principal executive instrument of policy, the Cabinet has general direction and control of the Government, including the civil and military apparatus of the State, and makes the day-to-day decisions on the management of those resources

Key Functions of the House

Law Making
One of the major parliamentary functions is making new laws or amending old laws for peace, order and good governance of Belize. The House of Representatives plays a part – obviously the largest and most important part – in the making of laws by the National Assembly. Once a Bill has been passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate it is sent to the Governor-General’s Office for Assent. The Bill which the Governor-General assents to then becomes an Act, forming part of the Laws of Belize.
Representation
Members represent the voters of Belize. Each year the House approves a budget outlining Government’s policies. When debating the budget, each elected Member speaks to the budget in terms of its impact on their respective constituencies. They also represent the actions of the House and the Government to the people.
Government Accountability
Apart from those mentioned above, the House has several ways of holding the Government to account. During a Sitting of the House, there is a question time for Backbenchers and Opposition Members to ask questions to Ministers. There is a provision for general and urgent debates, a Select Committee of Members to investigate matters of Government. Also, upon the motion “That this House do now adjourn” any Member, customarily the Opposition, may raise any matter of public concern and a Minister may reply.