Parliamentary procedure
Most legislatures have their powers restricted by the nation's Constitution, and [[Montesquieu]]'s theory of the [[separation of powers]] typically restricts a legislature's powers to legislation. Although the legislature has the power to legislate, it is the courts who have the power to [[Statutory interpretation|interpret statutes]], treaties and regulations. Similarly, although parliaments have the power to legislate, it is usually the executive who decides on the legislative programmed. The [[Parliamentary procedure|procedure]] is usually that a bill is introduced to Parliament, and after the required number of readings, committee stages and amendments, the bill gains approval and becomes an Act.