Legislation Flashcards
What does parliamentary sovereignty mean?
Statute law prevails over case law because it is more democratic
What is Parliament?
The House of Commons, The House of Lords, and the Queen
What is separation of powers?
Separating power so that someone doesn’t control everything and become a dictator
Who came up with the political theory of separation of powers?
Montesquieu
What does codifying legislation mean?
Taking cases and statutes and putting them together to make new laws
What is consolidating legislation?
A lot of statutes on one topic combined
When does a statute come into effect?
On midnight on the day it receives royal assent, unless it specifies otherwise
Who influences parliament and initiates the call for reform? (Give 4)
Political Parties, Law commission, Political Manifesto, Events, European Unions, Media, Pressure Groups
What is the “Green Paper”?
A consultation document for a new Bill
What is the “White Paper”?
A firm proposal for new legislation
What is a Public Bill/Government Bill?
General law. Introduced to parliament by the minister responsible for the general area
Who can raise a Private Members’ Bill?
A backbencher MP of any party
What are the two types of ways Private Members’ Bills can be raised?
Ballot and “The 10-Minute Rule”
What is The 10-Minute Rule?
Where any MP can make a speech of up to 10 minutes supporting the introduction of a new legislation
What is a Ballot?
Where 20 Private MPs are selected who can take their turn in presenting a Bill to parliament
