AC1.1 Exam Practice

Question 1

Describe the processes used by a government for making laws (4 marks)

Answer 1

May include: Green paper, white paper, four of the six stages, what parliament is made up of - all with explanation

Model answer: One feature of the parliamentary law-making process is the green paper. This is an initial used to provoke discussion on a specific subject and typically includes questions for interested individuals. From this, a white paper is created; a document setting out detailed plans for legislation and often includes a draft version of the Bill. The Bill then goes through six stages to become an act of Parliament. The first stage is the ‘First Reading’, where the aims and name of the Bill are read aloud in parliament, followed by a formal vote. The Bill then goes through four other stages that examine the Bill for issues and appropriated amendments are made. Once the Bill is ready to be passed, it must get the Royal Assent; a symbolic stage where the Bill is signed by the Monarch.

Question 2

Explain the process used by the government for making laws (6 marks)

Answer 2

When passing a law through parliament, it goes through six stages. The First Reading is where the aims and name of the Bill are read aloud, followed by a formal vote. The Second Reading includes the main debate, followed by anther formal vote. The third stage is called the Committee Stage, where a chosen group of representatives look closely at the Bill and address any possible issues, they then suggest appropriate amendments. The Report Stage (fourth stage) involves the chosen representatives presenting the suggested amendments. The fifth stage is the Third Reading, where a final vote is taken. The final stage is the Royal Assent, where the Bill is signed by the Monarch as a symbolic stage.

Question 3

Describe the involvement in law-making (6 marks)

Answer 3

Identify four features of the parliamentary law-making process (4 marks)