Lesson Nineteen: How Are Laws Made?

Question 1

What is the first stage of a law being made?

Answer 1

The government puts out a green paper with ideas for future laws, once final, a white paper is published.

Question 2

After the green paper, what happens to create a law?

Answer 2

Once worked on by the drafting committee, a Bill (proposal) is introduced to parliament, through the House of Commons.

Question 3

What happens after the House of Commons has seen the bill for the first time?

Answer 3

After the reading stage, it is debated and a vote is taken. If majority approve then it is passed. Further altercations may be made.

Question 4

What happens after the bill has passed?

Answer 4

The standing committee sends a report the the House of Commons with any changes which can either be approved or changed. A third reading is then held, along with another debate and vote.

Question 5

What happens after the final reading?

Answer 5

The same process happens again within the House of Lords, before being sent to the king to sign (royal assent). It becomes an act of parliament and an official law.