Law Making Flashcards
First reading
In this stage, the bill is simple proposed with no detail into the law and there is no discussion about it.
2nd reading
The bill is proposed again but this time there is more detail into what it would look like. The MP’s discuss whether or not the bill is a good idea or not. After this, there is a vote on if they should continue with the bill
Committee stage
The law is examined and specialist MP’s in the area that the bill is concerned with will discuss it. Amendments can be suggested and made at this stage by the chairman of the committee or the members of the committee can vote on amendments to the bill.
Report stage
In this stage, the minister announces the changes that have been made to the bill, if there haven’t been any changes made, then It will be stated that no changes have been made
Third reading
This is where the bill gets tidied up and examined for any loopholes. They also discuss the effectiveness of the bill and how to improve it, amendments can be made in this stage as well. The final vote takes place during this stage where they vote on if the bill will take place or not.
What is the house of lords role in law making (bill)
They get sent the bill and have to go through the same legislative process that the House of Commons went through.
What’s the queens role in making a law
She has to grant royal assent that gives her permission for the law to take place. When this is given, the law will be live midnight that day however, most of the time, there is a commencement date. This is the date given for when the act will be put into force.
What are whips
These are special MP’s that make sure that everyone in the party doesn’t step out of line and that they vote the way that their party wants.
How do politics influence law
Every 5 years, a general election usually takes place. Parties will have to publish a list of policy ideas that they will implement if elected to power. This is also known as manifesto
How does the public opinion/media influence law
Governments will sometimes create/ make changes to the law if there is strong public opinion about it. This is more likely to occur when a general election is imminent.
How do pressure groups and lobbyist influence law
Pressure groups promote their particular cause through lots of methods such as media campaigns, publicity stunts, polls, research, and policy briefings.
Lobbyists attempt to persuade MPs and they normally do this by going to the lobbies of Westminster and promoting their campaign.
