Can Parliament ever reflect the views of the community when there's a Tory Cabinet full of millionaires, an electoral system that works against new parties and a media that exerts the agenda of its owners?
Parliament Week, now in its fifth year, attempts to, possibly, look at the question and maybe even poke some answers...
"Parliament Week is a fantastic opportunity for people to find out more about Parliament, discuss how it affects their lives and develop a stronger connection with the UK's democratic processes" says Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow MP. But don't let him put you off.
There are some excellent events taking place, including the premiere of Death or Liberty, a dramatised documentary about the rebels who were exiled to Australia, a workshop on petitions and a guided tour of Suffragette City Manchester. If there's a whiff of democracy in the air, hopefully Salford Council might learn something too...
Here's the full list of events in Greater Manchester...
Change your future: understand Parliament
Monday 16th November, 1pm 4pm
People's History Museum, Manchester
Organised by the Political Studies Association, this workshop will see politics undergraduate students leading group discussions with local sixth formers. Discussions will centre on what Parliament does and how it could improve in the future.
Suffragette City: The Pankhursts and Manchester
Wednesday 18th November, 1.30pm 3.15pm
New Manchester Walks
A guided tour about how a Manchester family the Pankhursts led the Suffragette movement at the beginning of the 20th century.
The Power of Petitions
Wednesday 18th November, 2pm - 4pm
People's History Museum
This workshop will give a hands on experience of the most popular way ordinary people made their voice heard before democracy. Follow the Chartists and Suffragettes and write your own petition to make your voice heard!
Parliamentary Outreach Workshop
Wednesday 18th November, 10am - 12pm
Friends Meeting House Manchester
Civic Voice, the national body for civic societies, is hosting a series of training sessions, delivered by regional Parliamentary Outreach officers, the topics of which will include: Getting involved in Parliament, Legislation and Select Committees.
Death or Liberty film screening and panel discussion
Thursday 19th November, 5.30pm - 7.30pm
People's History Museum
The UK premiere of an exciting new dramatized documentary about the rebels, radicals and reformers exiled as convicts to Australia. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with director Keith Farrell and author Dr Tony Moore.
For more details see www.parliamentweek.org or follow Parliament Week on twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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