Legislative Process Flashcards
How many stages are there in the legislative process?
7: The First Reading, The Second Reading, The Committee Stage, The Report Stage, The Third Reading, Repeat Process in other House and Royal Assent
What happens in The First Reading?
Title of Bill is read out, A “Dummy Bill” is presented aswell as a fix date for the Second Reading
What isn’t included in The First Reading?
There are no votes, debate or discussion at this stage
What Happens at the Second Reading ?
The principles of the Bill are set out. The Minister explains and promotes the purpose of the Bill to where the opposition can discuss and challenge the Bill
Is there a vote process in the Second Reading?
Yes, if the government loses the vote then the Bill will not proceed any further
Who tends to struggle at the Second Reading?
Governments with small majorities or even reasonable majorities . Even Governments with major majorities struggle with controversial issues
“Any Government can be challenged at the Second Reading.”
True or False?
True
What happens at the Committee Stage?
Detailed, line by line and clause by clause consideration occurs by the Public Bill committee. This is usually 16 to 50 members
What is the selected committee of MP’s called at the Committee Stage
Public Bill Committee
Why is the Bill scrutinised at the Committee Stage?
To ensure the Bill’s effectiveness
“Public Bill Committee cannot suggest Amendments to the Bill”
True or False?
False, they can vote on Amendments.
What is the Report Stage?
Bill is reported back to consider Amendments. If changes are made, a new Bill is reprinted
“There is no need for a report stage if the whole house have sat at the Committee Stage.”
True or False?
True
What happens at the Final Reading?
Final stage to allow House to debate and review the Bill as a whole. Debates are usually short and no amendments are allowed.
Reach Final Decision.
What happens after the Third Reading?
Process is similarly repeated in other House. If the Bill is amended, it must be returned to previous house to reject, accept or suggest alternatives to these amendments. Both Houses must reach agreement
