AC 1.1 describe processes used for law making Flashcards
what are the two main sources of law
-The government (through parliament)
-the Judiciary
What is a statute
Law made by parliament
The Monarch
The king plays a constitutional role in opening and dissolving parliament and approving Bills before they become laws
What three parts are parliament made up of
-the monarch
-the house of lords
-the house of commons
What is the main job of the lords
to act as a double check on new laws
What are members of the house of lords known as
Peers
What are life peers
Can’t pass on their peerage
What were peers originally known as
Traditionally known as a nobleman- they had a hereditary position and passed on peerage to the next generation
How are MPs elected
at a general election to represent a constituency
why is the house of commons the most important part of parliament
It’s made up of the elected representatives of the people
What is a proposal for a new law called
A bill
What is the role of the government
to run the country
Who is the government made up of
The political party that has a majority of the 650 MPs
How does a bill become a act of parliament
Must be agreed by both houses of parliament and receive the royal assent
What is a green paper
An initial report to provoke public discussion of the subject. Often includes questions for interested individuals and organisations to respond to
What is a white paper
After the consultation the government publishes this paper setting out the detailed plan for legislation. (Drafted version of bill)
What are the 7 stages a bill must go through to become an act
-first reading
-second reading
-the committee stage
-the report stage
-third reading
-the lords
-Royal assent
What is the first reading
The government first introduces the bill into the commons where it receives a first reading. Followed by a vote to allow it to go to the next stage
What is the second reading
When the main principles are considered and debated by the whole house of commons and a vote is taken. government will usually win as they have the support of the majority MPs
What is the committee stage
bill is examined in detail, line by line, by a small committee made up of MPs from different parties. they will report back to the whole house and will often propose amendments
What is the report stage
gives MPs an opportunity to consider the committees report and to debate and vote on any amendments they might wish to make.
What is the third reading
Final chance for the commons to debate the bills contents. No amendments are allowed at this stage the house votes to pass or reject it
What happens after the third reading
the bill goes to the house of lords where it goes through the same stages. if they make amendments it must go back to the commons so they can decide to accept or reject it.
What is royal assent
once the bill has been passed by both houses it goes to the monarch for signing. this is the monarchs agreement to make the bill into an act
