The National Assembly has the power to debate and create laws based on the Constitution. It typically meets, both House and Senate, once a month, with other meetings called as necessary.
Since 1970, following the relocation of the capital to Belmopan, the Parliament has sat at National Assembly Building, Belmopan in the Cayo District.
The House of Representatives is the Lower House. It consists of 31 members, who are elected by the people in a general election every five years. Each member represents one constituency. Members of the House include both members of the ruling party and members of the opposition who won their seats in general election. The House of Representatives is presided over during their meetings by a speaker. The speaker's main responsibility is to maintain order and control. The House of Representatives passes bills, debates national issues and approves government budget.
The Senate is the Upper House. The Senate discusses and confirms bills that are sent from the House of Representatives. It is made up of 13 members who are all appointed by the Governor General. The President of the Senate presides over meetings.
6 senators are appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister
3 senators are appointed on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition
1 is appointed on the advice of the Belize Chamber of Commerce and the Belize Business Bureau
1 is appointed on the advice of the Belize Council of Churches
1 is appointed on the advice of the Belize National Trade and Union Congress
1 is appointed on the advice of the Non-Government Organizations (NGO)
