AC 1.1 Describe processes used for law making

Question 1

Explain how a new law comes into being

Answer 1

Begins as a GREEN PAPER where the new law is proposed
It is then opened for public consultation and debate
If the public supports the proposal it will become a WHITE PAPER where the law is proposed and set out more formally
Then it becomes a bill which is shown to the Parliament
A bill can be presented to either the House of Commons or the House of Lords
(Except finance bills which must go to the Commons first)

Question 2

What are the process of a bill through parliament

Answer 2

First reading - Aims announced and vote taken out
Second reading - Aims debated and vote taken out again
Committee stage - Select group asked to study it more closely and look into issues and suggest amendments
Report stage - Committee’s findings read out and vote taken on amendments proposed
Third reading - Final vote taken out on the bill
Royal assent - The monarch gives their approval (formality) they cannot refuse the bill
The bill is then an Act of Parliament and a date for it is given to come into effect

Question 3

What makes up the Parliament? Explain in detail

Answer 3

The House of Commons - Involves the elected representatives or members of Parliament voted by people in an election

The House of Lords - Contains some hereditary peers (Lords) and now lifetime appointed peers who did not pass on their title after death e.g Alan Sugar

The Monarch - They’re in charge of providing approval to the finalised bill proposed to them e.g Queen Elizabeth