parliamentary law making

Question 1

private members bills

Answer 1

introduced by an MP who is not a government minister

Question 2

Ballot

Answer 2

decides which MPs can present their chosen private members bill.

Question 3

ten minute rule

Answer 3

allows any mp to make a speech for up to ten minutes which introduces a new bill

Question 4

public bills

Answer 4

a bill introduced by government and it applies to the public at large

Question 5

private bills

Answer 5

introduced and applies to an organisation

Question 6

Pre legislative process

Answer 6

green paper
white paper

Question 7

green paper

Answer 7

law reform consultation document created by the government when they wish to reform an area of law. its to allow both MPs and non MPs to give feedback on the governments proposed law reform

Question 8

white paper

Answer 8

document created by the government that sets out the proposed law reform (outlines a firmer plan for government policy)

Question 9

The legislative process

Answer 9

First reading
second reading
committee stage
report stage
third reading
repeat in HOL
royal assent

Question 10

First reading

Answer 10

Name of bill read out in parliament. No discussion or vote on the bill

Question 11

second reading

Answer 11

MPs debate the principles behind the bill and there is a verbal vote

Question 12

committee stage

Answer 12

Between 15 and 20 MPs form a committee - line by line consideration of the bill

Question 13

report stage

Answer 13

changes suggested by the committee are reported back to the house

Question 14

third reading

Answer 14

final vote on the bill

Question 15

HOL repeat

Answer 15

any changes = back to house of commons

Question 16

royal assent

Answer 16

final stage, monarchs approval

Question 17

6 advantages of parliamentary law making

Answer 17

1)democratic
2)laws can’t be challenged
3)reform whole areas of Law
4)pre legislation consultation
5)can set broad agenda and delegate details
6)lengthy and thorough process

Question 18

4 disadvantages of parliamentary law making

Answer 18

1)time
2)private members bills
3)long and complex
4)amendment acts make law complex

Question 19

what does parliamentary sovereignty mean

Answer 19

-parliament can make law on any subject matter
-no parliament can bind its successors
-no other body has the right to set aside an act of parliament

Question 20

what are three limitations on parliamentary soverignty

Answer 20

-effect of the human rights act 1998
-devolution
-EU membership

Question 21

Human rights act 1998

Answer 21

-all acts of parliament have to be compatible with it

Question 22

devolution

Answer 22

Scottish can make laws on some matters without EU approval

Question 23

political influence on parliament explanation

Answer 23

Political parties publish a manifesto

Question 24

advantages of political influence

Answer 24

Democratic MPs are elected by the people of the UK

Question 25

disadvantages of political influence on parliament

Answer 25

If a different party is elected they may disagree with previous government and change them this is inefficient

Question 26

public opinion/media explanation

Answer 26

Government bend to public opinion and pressure from the media

Question 27

public opinion/media advantage

Answer 27

parliament can reflect the will of the people

Question 28

public opinion/media disadvantage

Answer 28

Government can respond too quickly leading to poorly drafted laws

Question 29

Pressure groups explanation

Answer 29

created to pursue a particular interest or cause

Question 30

pressure group advantage

Answer 30

raise important issues to parliaments attention

Question 31

pressure group disadvantage

Answer 31

different groups promote different ideals

Question 32

law reform bodies explained

Answer 32

Permanent panel of legal experts who research areas of law

Question 33

advantage of law reform bodies

Answer 33

researched by experts

Question 34

disadvantages of law reform bodies

Answer 34

lack of parliamentary time many proposals are not enacted