Government Processes Flashcards
Parliament is made up of three parts. Name the three parts?
House of Commons
House of Lords
Monarch
What are the members of the H of L called and how many members are there?
Life peers
Hereditary peers
Archbishops/bishops
784 sitting members
What are the members of the H of C called and how many members are there?
MPs
650 sitting MPs
Where do most proposals for new laws come from?
Government
What is a bill?
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
What is a statute?
A written law that is made by the UK Parliament
How to remember the stages of the bill?
123CR
123CR
RA
What is the role of the monarch in law making?
The monarch only has a formal role in law-making. The king simply gives the Royal Assent - their agreement to the new law.
What is the role of the H of L and what is their role in law making?
They act as a check and balance on new laws
What is the role of the H of C in law making?
MPs debate important issues, makes and reviews laws and represents the public
What is a green paper?
An initial report to provoke public discussion of the subject
(Known as consultation stage)
What is a white paper?
A document setting out their detailed plans for legislation. Often includes a draft version of the Bill
What is the first reading?
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
What happens at the second reading?
The main principles are debated and a second vote is taken
What happens at the committee stage?
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.
What happens at the report stage?
Gives MPs an opportunity to consider the committee’s report and to debate and vote on any amendments proposed
What happens at the third reading?
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
What happens after the third reading?
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
What happens once a Bill has been passed by both Houses of Parliament?
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)
A criminal statue that passed these stages?
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
