Parliamentary Law Making Flashcards
What is meant by a public bill?
A proposal for a new law or to change an existing one.
What is an example of a public bill?
Coronavirus act 2020 which outlined the initial response to the outbreak and quickly received royal assent.
What is a private bill?
-promoted by local authorities, businesses and organisations
-do not necessarily affect wider interest usually specific
What is a private members bill?
-introduced by MP
-concerns the wider public
Example of a private bill?
-University of London act 2018
-a provision for the making of statutes at the Uol.
Example of a private members bill?
-Matt Hancock’s dyslexia screening and teacher training bill
-Train teachers to understand students with neurodivergent conditions.
What’s a green paper?
-document of policy proposals for discussion
What’s a white paper?
-sets out proposals for future legislation
-discussed with cabinet ministers whether to be taken forward.
What happens at the first reading?
-essentially a formal announcement
-Short-title of the bill is read out.
What happens at the report stage?
-commons debate and suggest amendments/ new clauses.
-All MP’s may contribute
What is meant by ping-pong?
-Back and forth of suggesting amendments between the house of commons and the lords.
-HOL cannot veto (parliament act 1949) but can delay for a year
Reasons why the parliamentary law making process is democratic?
-scrutiny
-Elected MP’s from all parties. (green have say, snp, libdems).
What is mean by the separation of powers?
Legislative (commons and lords), executive (government) and judicial (courts) are fairly separate- those in legislative and executive branches CANNOT be in the judicial branch.
Why is the slowness of parliamentary law making a problem?
-can become quickly outdated in a fast changing political scene.
Examples of holding the government to account?
-PMQ’s/ urgent questions
-The house of lords
-departmental select committees.
-Public bill committees- ‘time to write your Christmas cards!’
