The Parliament of Jordan
The Parliament of Jordan is the legislature of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan that was established by the Jordanian Constitution of 1952. The Jordanian Parliament is an essential part of the Jordanian political system which adopts a constitutional monarchy, where it applies the principle of separation of powers. Moreover, it has the right to review the constitutionality of laws and regulations in accordance with Article 60 of the Constitution through seeking the interpretation of constitutional texts and challenging laws and regulations before the Constitutional Court to ensure their conformity with the Constitution. The Parliament of Jordan consists of two houses: The Senate and the House of Representatives.
Throughout history, The Parliament of Jordan has undergone significant developments, and witnessed many political and economic challenges, which has contributed to strengthening its role as a legislative institution that reflects the aspirations of the Jordanian people and contributes to the development of the democratic process in the country.
The Establishment of the Parliament of Jordan
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1946
After the independence of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in 1946, the country moved towards establishing a modern political system that promotes the principles of democracy and popular participation.
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1947
In 1947, a new constitution was promulgated that established The Parliament of Jordan as the main legislative body, consisting of two houses: The House of Senate and the House of Representatives.
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1950
The Parliament of Jordan (Majlis Al-Umma) was first held by the 1947 constitution, and its term of office extended from 1947 to 1950. During this period, the council witnessed lively debates and the passage of several important legislations that laid the foundation for the legal and administrative structure of the modern Jordanian state.
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1952
In 1952, a new constitution was promulgated that made substantial changes to the political system, with the Jordanian Parliament being reconstituted in accordance with the constitutional monarchy. Under this constitution, the role of The Parliament of Jordan as the main legislative institution was strengthened, while emphasizing the principle of separation of powers. The 1952 constitution established the legal framework that led to the strengthening of citizen participation in decision-making, and the affirmation of the role of The Parliament of Jordan as a key pillar of the Jordanian political system.
1946
After the independence of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in 1946, the country moved towards establishing a modern political system that promotes the principles of democracy and popular participation.
1947
In 1947, a new constitution was promulgated that established The Parliament of Jordan as the main legislative body, consisting of two houses: The House of Senate and the House of Representatives.
1950
The Parliament of Jordan (Majlis Al-Umma) was first held by the 1947 constitution, and its term of office extended from 1947 to 1950. During this period, the council witnessed lively debates and the passage of several important legislations that laid the foundation for the legal and administrative structure of the modern Jordanian state.
1952
In 1952, a new constitution was promulgated that made substantial changes to the political system, with the Jordanian Parliament being reconstituted in accordance with the constitutional monarchy. Under this constitution, the role of The Parliament of Jordan as the main legislative institution was strengthened, while emphasizing the principle of separation of powers. The 1952 constitution established the legal framework that led to the strengthening of citizen participation in decision-making, and the affirmation of the role of The Parliament of Jordan as a key pillar of the Jordanian political system.
The House of Senate
The Jordanian Senate is part of the legislative branch in Jordan and, together with the House of Representatives, forms what is known as "The Parliament of Jordan." The Senate differs from the House of Representatives in the way its members are selected. Members of the House of Representatives are elected directly by the people according to the electoral law, while members of the Senate are appointed by royal decree, based on Article 36 of the Jordanian Constitution, which states: "The King appoints the members of the Senate, designates a Chairman from among them, and accepts their resignations."
The Senate performs the same legislative and oversight functions as the House of Representatives, except for granting and withdrawing confidence from the government, which is the exclusive prerogative of the House of Representatives.
The number of members in the Senate does not exceed half the number of members of the House of Representatives. According to Article 63 of the Constitution, which states that "The Senate, including the President, shall consist of not more than half the number of members of the House of Representatives", this composition helps to achieve a legislative balance between the two chambers and enhances the efficiency of the legislative process.
In accordance with the requirements for membership of the House of Senate, a senator is supposed to be forty years of age, and to be among specific categories including former prime ministers and ministers, presidents of the House of Representatives, judges of the Supreme Courts, retired officers of the rank of Major General and above, as well as former Representatives who have been elected at least twice, in accordance with Article 64 of the Constitution.
The term of membership for the Senators is four years, with the possibility of reappointment of members at the end of their term, as Article 65 of the Constitution specifies "The term of membership in the Senate is four years, and the appointment of members is renewed every four years, and those whose term has expired may be reappointed". The term of the presidency of the Senate is two years, and the president may be reappointed in accordance with the Constitution.
As for the Senate sessions, as stated in Article 66 of the Constitution, its meetings coincide with those of the House of Representatives, which promotes coordination between the two chambers. The President of the Senate presides the meeting with the House of Representatives, in accordance with the second paragraph of Article 89 of the Constitution, "When the two Houses meet together, the President of the Senate presides". In the event of a dissolution of the House of Representatives, the sessions of the House of Senate are suspended as provided for in the constitution, ensuring that the legislative process is consistent with the prevailing political situation.
Through its legislative and advisory role, the House of Senate contributes to promoting political stability and ensuring the quality of legislation and public policies in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The Senate is a key element in improving the effectiveness of the political system and promotes the participation of high-level experts in decision-making. All members of the House of Senate can direct questions and inquiries to ministers, but Senators do not have the right to vote on confidence, but the House has the right - according to the rules of procedure of the House of Senate - to refer inquiries to the President of the House of Representatives.
The House of Representatives of Jordan
The House of Representatives of Jordan is the first legislative body of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and is considered one of the most prominent elements of the Jordanian political system. The House of Representatives represents citizens and expresses their interests through a direct electoral process, and plays a key role in making laws and monitoring the work of the government. The council is composed of members elected by secret, direct universal suffrage.
According to Article 67 of the Constitution, this electoral method ensures transparent and effective participation of citizens in choosing their representatives, which enhances the legitimacy of the Representative House and enables it to introduce legislation that reflects the
wishes of the community.
The term of office of the House of Representatives is four calendar years from the date of the announcement of the results of the general election in the Official Gazette, as stated in Article 68 of the Constitution: "The term of office of the House of Representatives is four calendar years from the date of the announcement of the results of the general election in the Official Gazette and the King may extend the term of office of the House by a royal will to a term of not less than one year and not more than two years". This text allows the king to extend the term of the council if necessary, which contributes to maintaining the stability of the legislative process in cases of emergency or exceptional circumstances.
One of the conditions for being a member of the House of Representatives is that the candidate must have completed twenty-five years of age, and according to Article 70 of the Constitution, these conditions guarantee that members must be adults and able to assume the significant responsibilities that come with their membership in the House.
The House of Representatives performs several key functions, including making laws, monitoring the work of the government and debating budgets. It also plays a crucial role in casting confidence in ministers or making inquiries related to the work of the government, which enhances its role as an effective watchdog over the executive performance of the kingdom. These tasks enhance the ability of the House of Representatives to achieve the goals of political and economic development in Jordan, which contributes to the stability of the political system and the satisfaction of the aspirations of the citizens. The House of Representatives, through its legislative and supervisory role, represents the cornerstone of the Jordanian democratic process.