Glossary of Parliamentary Terms and Language
The regular terms and vocabulary associated with parliamentary practices

Click on a letter of the alphabet to see the terms.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

vacancy -an unoccupied position or office
vice-regal -concerning or having to do with a person appointed as a deputy by the King or Queen; having to do with a person acting in place of or representing a King or Queen: As the Governor attended the dinner it was a vice-regal function.
voter -someone who votes; someone who has a right to vote.
vote -a formal expression of choice, such as putting up one's hand or marking a piece of paper.
Vvotes and Proceedings -the official record of what has been decided in the Legislative Assembly.
Westminster system -a system of government originating in Britain, the main features of which are a head of state, who is not the head of government, and an executive which is drawn from and which is directly responsible to the Parliament.
Westminster -1. the Houses of Parliament in London. 2. the city of Westminster in London where the Houses of Parliament (the place of Westminster) are located.
Whip -a party manager in Parliament who is responsible for organising members of his or her party to take part in debates and votes.
White Paper -a policy document usually issued by the Government to explain or discuss matters on which the Government is desiring community discussion or reaction. A White Paper is regarded as a more definite statement of policy than a Green Paper.
writs -formal orders, issued by the Governor, requiring that an election be held.