Law making

Question 1

Green paper

Answer 1

A consultation document containing policy proposals

Question 2

White paper

Answer 2

Detailed proposals for legislation, final stage before introduced to Parliament as a bill

Question 3

First reading

Answer 3

Title and main aims are read out. No debate occurs at this stage, verbal vote to progress to next stage

Question 4

Second reading

Answer 4

Main policy areas debated, vote then happens to progress

Question 5

Committee stage

Answer 5

Debate and refine any issues, vote occurs to progress

Question 6

Report stage

Answer 6

Standing committee then reports back on any ammendments. Vote to progress

Question 7

Third reading

Answer 7

Review of whole bill, often a formality. After successfull vote some processes repeat in other House

Question 8

Royal assent

Answer 8

The monarch, usually someone assigned on their behalf signs off the bill bringing it into law.

Question 9

Influences on parliament

Answer 9

Media, public opinion, pressure groups, politcal parties, lobbying, law commision

Question 10

What are the 3 main points of parliamentary supremacy

Answer 10

Parliament’s power is not limited- can (un)make any laws
Validity can’t be questioned by courts/judges
No government can bind future governments

Question 11

Government bill

Answer 11

Put forward by the government, often government ministers that affect everyone e.g The Legal Aid

Question 12

Private members bill

Answer 12

Put forward by MP’s or Lords. Can introduce these by ballots or the ‘ten-minute-law’. E.g. The Abortion Act 1967

Question 13

Private bill

Answer 13

Designed to create law that only affect individual people or corporations. E.g Faversham Oyster Fishery Company Act 2017

Question 14

Hybrid bill

Answer 14

Cross between private and public bills, put forward by Government ministers but only affect certain people, or locations E.g The High Speed Rail Act 2021