4) Legislative Process Flashcards
What are most bills introduced to parliament based on?
ideas suggested by the government.
any lord or MP can propose a bill.
Why do MP’s and Lords examine the bills in detail?
ensure tiny details are not overlooked.
What are changes to a bill called?
Amendments.
What is royal assent?
when both houses agree and it is sent to the monarch to be signed/stamped.
What is a green paper?
A proposal for a bill, informs, invites discussion from interested parties for ideas.
What is a white paper?
More formal is a more formal published document which forms the basis of the bill.
What is drafting?
Drafts the ideas from the papers into a bill.
What are the three types of bills?
Public bill,
Private bill,
Hybrid bill.
What are the two types of public bills?
Government bills,
Private Members Bills.
Who does a public bill affect?
The whole population with few exceptions.
Advantages of an act:
Democratic
Full reform
Broad policy
Consultation
Why is democracy an advantage of acts?
made by elected representatives, who we have voted due to similar views. The government they are a part of can be voted out if not performing as expected.
Why is full reform an advantage of an act?
can reform a whole area of law if needed, can fully transform outdated legislation.
Why is broad policy an advantage of an act?
can set broad policies (delegated legislation) which allows ministers to make more detailed rules under these acts.
Why is consultation an advantage of an act?
pre-legislative process allows for lots of consultation, discussion and scrutiny before the idea or bill can become a law.
Disadvantages of an act:
Lack of time
Long process
Government control
Complexity
Why is a lack of time a disadvantage of an act?
parliament can run out of time due to other pressing matters meaning the bill doesn’t complete the full process.
Why is a long process a disadvantage of an act?
Bills can take months or longer to complete the legislative process, especially if the house of lords delays the bill.
Why is government control a disadvantage of an act?
they control the timetable for legislation and prioritise specific legislation. They often don’t spend much time focusing on smaller matters or private members bills if there are larger issues occurring.
Why is complexity a disadvantage of an act?
acts are often long and complex with many sections and technical vocabulary.
e.g. Criminal Justice Act 2003 has over 300 sections.
What is the first stage in the legislative process?
The first reading.
A short title and very brief outline of the proposal is read to the house.
No discussion.
What is the second stage of the legislative process?
The second reading.
The idea is taken back to the same house and they will hold a debate on the proposed bill. In the House of Commons, a vote will take place.
If the vote has a majority for, it will progress to the next stage. If a majority vote against it, it is the end of the bill.
When do the house of lords have their first vote?
After the committee stage.
What is the third stage of the legislative process?
The committee stage.
A committee of interested members or specialists will scrutinize the bill in its current form and make any necessary amendments. Once the committee are in agreement, it is sent to the next stage.
