Parliamentary Law Making

Question 1

1st Reading

Answer 1

Short title is read out, informs MP a debate on a bill is to be held. 2nd reading date announced

Question 2

2nd Reading

Answer 2

First debate held. Minister proposing bill presents its aims to the House. If Gov. don’t gain a majority- the bill will not go beyond this point

Question 3

Committee Stage

Answer 3

A group of 16-50 MPs (whole House if controversial) discuss the bill analysing it line by line. They make amendments and listen to advice.

Question 4

Report Stage

Answer 4

Group report back and some final amendments may be made.

Question 5

Third Reading

Answer 5

Normally just a final vote. Almost all amendments made.

Question 6

Bill goes to the other House

Answer 6

Bill goes to the other House to be debated (in this case the Lords.) If the Lords disagree, they will propose amendments and will bounce back and forth. Commons has final say

Question 7

Royal Ascent

Answer 7

Bill will be approved by the monarch into law.

Question 8

Green Paper

Answer 8

Early proposal by the Gov. on the reforms of the law. A full consideration can be held.

Question 9

White Paper

Answer 9

Firm proposals for the new law, limited opportunity for comment or objection. Knee-jerk reactions can arise after a lack of cosultation.

Question 10

Public Bill

Answer 10

Affects the whole Public: Government Bills, PMBs (Backbenchers)

Question 11

Private Bill

Answer 11

Intended to affect one particular area, organisation or institution.

Question 12

Hybrid Bills

Answer 12

A combination that affects a group and the public (Channel Tunnel Act 1987)

Question 13

Private Members Bills

Answer 13

20 MPs are selected from a ballot to introduce a bill on a topic of their choosing. Very low success rate.

Question 14

Short Title

Answer 14

Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013

Question 15

Official Citation

Answer 15

2013 CHAPTER 30

Question 16

Long Title

Answer 16

An Act to make provision for the marriage of same sex couples in England and Wales, about gender change by married persons and civil partners, about consular functions in relation to marriage, for the marriage of armed forces personnel overseas, for permitting marriages according to the usages of belief organisations to be solemnized on the authority of certificates of a superintendent registrar, for the review of civil partnership, for the review of survivor benefits under occupational pension schemes, and for connected purposes.

Question 17

Date of Royal Ascent

Answer 17

[17th July 2013]

Question 18

Part

Answer 18

PART 1

Question 19

Section

Answer 19

1.

Question 20

Sub Section

Answer 20

(2)