The Constitution of the Kingdom of Bahrain has defined the jurisdictions and duties undertaken by the Shura Council whether on the legislative aspect or as a watchdog of the executive authority. The Council deliberates all draft laws, laws, and decrees referred to it by the Council of Representatives , and to the extent that it retains the right to accept, amend or otherwise reject the bill and the right to accept or reject the decrees. In all cases, the Speaker of the Shura Council will refer such laws, bills, drafts and decrees after approval by the two Councils to His Highness the Prime Minister for forwarding to His Majesty the King.
The Constitution has also vested the Shura Council with the right to propose the laws and fifteen members the right of a motion to propose amendment of the constitution. Where its function as a watch dog is concerned, the Constitution gives the deputies the right to serve the ministers with written questions for clarification of the issues that fall within the ministers’ jurisdictions based on the premise that the member of the Shura Council represents the entire people and heeds the public interest in all his / her duties.
The Shura Council participates by airing its views and opinions on the operating and work program filed by the Government at the beginning of each legislative season. The Council goes to great length in order to set up a committee for preparation of draft response to the royal address which His Majesty delivers at the beginning of each legislative session.
The Council also supervises the State Budget, including revenues and expenditures, as part of its quintessential role besides the Council of Representatives and approval of the State general budget which the Government refers to it every two years.
The Shura Council also participates in representing the Kingdom of Bahrain in international and regional meetings and conferences which represent a veritable opportunity for the Council to support the position of the Kingdom of Bahrain among the advanced countries of the world.