The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a Federation with a bicameral national Parliament and four unicameral Provincial Assemblies in its four provinces. The province of the Punjab is the largest of the four provinces, and also the largest Assembly in Pakistan in terms of membership with 371 Members. The history of legislature in the Punjab expands over a period of more than a century. In 1897, an Advisory Council of the Lieutenant Governor was constituted in the Punjab. It was a nominated body with no legislative powers. It was, however, given legislative powers in 1921, when it became Legislative Council, and in 1937, it was given the status of Assembly.