Describe The Legislative Process Flashcards
What is a Green Paper?
A consultative document issued by the relevant Government Minister proposing law reform and inviting comments from interested parties.
What follows a Green Paper in the legislative process?
The government may publish a White Paper with firm proposals for a new law or proceed with draft legislation.
Where is a Bill usually introduced?
A Bill is usually introduced in the House of Commons, but it may start in either House, except for Finance Bills which must start in the House of Commons.
What occurs during the First Reading of a Bill?
It is a formal procedure where the name and main aims of the Bill are read out, usually with no discussion or vote.
What happens during the Second Reading of a Bill?
MPs debate the principles of the Bill, and a vote is taken at the end. A majority is required for the Bill to progress.
What is the Committee Stage?
A detailed examination of each clause of the Bill by a Public Bill Committee of 15 to 60 MPs, where proposed amendments are voted on.
What occurs during the Report Stage?
The committee reports back to the House on any amendments passed, which are debated and voted upon, with further amendments possible.
What is the Third Reading?
The final vote on the Bill, usually a formality, with further debate only if at least six MPs request one.
What happens if a Bill is passed by the House of Commons?
It is sent to the House of Lords, where it goes through the same five stages. If amendments are suggested, it returns to the House of Commons, continuing the ‘ping pong’ process until both Houses agree.
What occurs if a Bill starts in the House of Lords?
It goes through the same five stages in both Houses, with ‘ping pong’ occurring until agreement is reached.
What power does the House of Lords have regarding a Bill?
The House of Lords can reject the Bill, but this power is limited by the Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949.
What do the Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949 allow?
They allow a Bill to become law up to a year after the House of Lords rejects it, enabling the Commons to bypass the Lords.
How many times has the power to bypass the House of Lords been used?
This power has only been used four times.
What was the first Bill to bypass the House of Lords?
The War Crimes Act 1991.
What was the most recent Bill to bypass the House of Lords?
The Hunting Act 2004.
What is the final stage in the legislative process?
Royal Assent, where the monarch formally gives approval to the Bill.
Does the monarch actually sign the Bill?
No, the monarch does not actually sign it; Royal Assent is a formality.
When was the last time Royal Assent was refused?
It has not been refused since Queen Anne rejected the Scottish Militia Bill in 1707.
What is a Bill?
A Bill is a draft law drafted by specialist lawyers known as Parliamentary Counsel to the Treasury.
What is a Government Bill?
A Government Bill is put forward by the government and is normally a Public Bill.
What is a Public Bill?
Public Bills involve matters of public policy affecting the general public.
Example: The Constitutional Reform Act 2005 which established the Supreme Court.
What is a Private Members’ Bill?
A Private Members’ Bill is a Public Bill sponsored by an individual MP who is not part of the government, known as a ‘backbencher’.
How are MPs selected to present a Private Members’ Bill?
Each parliamentary session has a ballot in which 20 MPs are selected.
Do many Private Members’ Bills become law?
Very few Private Members’ Bills become law.
What is a notable example of a Private Members’ Bill?
The Abortion Act 1967, which legalised abortion, introduced by David Steel MP.
What are Private Bills?
Private Bills are promoted by people or organisations and involve matters affecting only individual people or organisations.
Can you give an example of a Private Bill?
The Manchester City Council Act 2010, which regulated street trading in Greater Manchester.
