AC1.1 parliamentary stages of a bill

Question 1

first reading

Answer 1

government introduced bill into commons, it is a formal announcement of bill
-includes green (initial consultation document containing several policy options) and white paper (statement of policy which may be debated before bill is introduced)

Question 2

second reading

Answer 2

principles considered and debated by Commons and vote is taken

Question 3

committee stage

Answer 3

bill examined by small committee made up of MPs from different parties, report back to commons and propose amendments to Bill

Question 4

report stage

Answer 4

gives MPs opportunity to consider committees stages report and debate and vote on any amendments

Question 5

third reading

Answer 5

final chance for commons to debate Bills contents

Question 6

lords

Answer 6

same stages as commons, if lords have amended the bill, it must return to commons so MPs can decide whether to accept or reject the Lords amendments
-commons have final say because it is made up of people’s elected representatives

Question 7

royal assent

Answer 7

once bill passed by both houses of parliament, goes to monarch for signing and new law comes into force immediately unless Act states otherwise

Question 8

structure

Answer 8

F, S, C, R, T, L, RA