Government Processes

Question 1

Parliament is made up of three parts. Name the three parts?

Answer 1

House of Commons
House of Lords
Monarch

Question 2

What are the members of the H of L called and how many members are there?

Answer 2

Life peers
Hereditary peers
Archbishops/bishops
784 sitting members

Question 3

What are the members of the H of C called and how many members are there?

Answer 3

MPs
650 sitting MPs

Question 4

Where do most proposals for new laws come from?

Answer 4

Government

Question 5

What is a bill?

Answer 5

A bill is a proposal for a new law.
Bills must be agreed by both H of C and H of L and receive the Royal Assent before it can become an Act of Parliament

Question 6

What is a statute?

Answer 6

A written law that is made by the UK Parliament

Question 7

How to remember the stages of the bill?

Answer 7

123CR
123CR
RA

Question 8

What is the role of the monarch in law making?

Answer 8

The monarch only has a formal role in law-making. The king simply gives the Royal Assent - their agreement to the new law.

Question 9

What is the role of the H of L and what is their role in law making?

Answer 9

They act as a check and balance on new laws

Question 10

What is the role of the H of C in law making?

Answer 10

MPs debate important issues, makes and reviews laws and represents the public

Question 11

What is a green paper?

Answer 11

An initial report to provoke public discussion of the subject
(Known as consultation stage)

Question 12

What is a white paper?

Answer 12

A document setting out their detailed plans for legislation. Often includes a draft version of the Bill

Question 13

What is the first reading?

Answer 13

The gov first introduces the Bill into the H of C or H of L and it receives a first reading. It is followed by a vote to allow it to move to the next stage

Question 14

What happens at the second reading?

Answer 14

The main principles are debated and a second vote is taken

Question 15

What happens at the committee stage?

Answer 15

Bill is examined in detail by MPs from different parties. The committee will report back to the whole House and often propose amendments to the Bill.

Question 16

What happens at the report stage?

Answer 16

Gives MPs an opportunity to consider the committee’s report and to debate and vote on any amendments proposed

Question 17

What happens at the third reading?

Answer 17

Final chance for the Commons to debate the contents of a Bill. Usually takes place immediately after the report stage. No amendments allowed - House votes to pass or reject the bill

Question 18

What happens after the third reading?

Answer 18

If the Bill started in the H of C it goes to the H of L for its first reading. If the Bill started in the H of L it return to the H of C for consideration of any amendments the Commons has made

Question 19

What happens once a Bill has been passed by both Houses of Parliament?

Answer 19

It goes the monarch for signing and this is known as the Royal Assent. The new law will come into force immediately, unless the Act specifics that it will only apply from some later date (commencement order)

Question 20

A criminal statue that passed these stages?

Answer 20

The Dangerous Dogs Act (1991) - This Act was introduced in the UK following a series of serious, even fatal, dog attacks on humans. The Act banned four breeds of dogs