Advantages and disadvantages of the legislative process Flashcards
What is a key advantage of the legislative process?
The process is democratic as it is dominated by the elected government, with MPs in the House of Commons elected to make laws and represent their constituents.
The government can be voted out of office in a general election.
What is a disadvantage of the legislative process?
The process is undemocratic as neither the House of Lords nor the monarch is elected, and MPs may vote with their party rather than according to their constituents’ views.
What is a second advantage of the legislative process?
There is lengthy consultation with Green and White Papers before a Bill is introduced, followed by thorough debates and scrutiny in both Houses of Parliament.
What is a second disadvantage of the legislative process?
The long process is too slow, requiring many stages of consultation and debate, which is not suitable for urgent laws.
What is a third advantage of the legislative process?
The House of Lords serves as an effective checking mechanism, ensuring laws are not passed solely to fit the government’s wishes.
What is a third disadvantage of the legislative process?
The House of Lords has limited power over the government, which can bypass it after one year under the Parliament Acts.
What is a fourth advantage of the legislative process?
The flexibility provided by different types of Bills allows all MPs and Lords to propose new laws, useful for controversial issues.
What is a disadvantage of Private Members’ Bills?
The lack of parliamentary time given by the government to consider them.
What law awaits reform despite proposals from the Law Commission?
The law on non-fatal offences against the person.
Proposals were made in 1993 and 2015.
What power does the government have over Private Members’ Bills?
The government can vote out any Private Members’ Bill.
What is the outcome of the Ten Minute Rule?
It rarely results in new laws.
Can the legislative process be quick?
Yes, it can be quick in certain circumstances.
Example: The European Union (Withdrawal) (No.2) Act 2019 (the Benn Act) passed all its stages in less than a week.
What is a disadvantage of Private Members’ Bills?
The lack of parliamentary time given by the government to consider them.
What law awaits reform despite proposals from the Law Commission?
The law on non-fatal offences against the person.
Proposals were made in 1993 and 2015.
What power does the government have over Private Members’ Bills?
The government can vote out any Private Members’ Bill.
What is the outcome of the Ten Minute Rule?
It rarely results in new laws.
Can the legislative process be quick?
Yes, it can be quick in certain circumstances.
Example: The European Union (Withdrawal) (No.2) Act 2019 (the Benn Act) passed all its stages in less than a week.
