Parliamentary law making Flashcards
What is a bill
A proposal for a new law or proposal to change an existing law
What are the 3 main types of bills
Public bill, Private bill, Private members bill
What is a public bill
A bill that will effect everybody in the country
An example of a public bill
European Union Bill
What is a private bill
A bill that will only affect individual people or companies
An example of a private bill
University of London Act 2018
What is a private members bill
A bill introduced by individual MPs either done by ballot or 10 minute rule
An example of a private members bill
Abortion act 1967
State the legislative process
Green paper, White paper, Draft bill, First reading, Second reading, Committee stage, Report stage, Third reading, Other house, Ping pong stage, Royal assent
What is the green paper
A consultation document putting forward government ideas for a reform of the law. It invites the views of affected parties so changes can be made of necessary.
What is the white paper
It sets out the firm proposals for the new law
What is the draft bill
Puts the proposals into formal and legal language
What is the first reading
A formal procedure where the name and aims of the bill are read out
What is the second hearing
The main debate of the bill that focuses on the main principles. A majority vote is needed to proceed to the next stage.
What is the committee stage
A detailed examination of each close by 16-50MPs who are chosen specifically for that bill as they have a special interest in that area
What is the report stage
Committee reports back to the house to see if any amendments have been made. These are then debated on and either excepted or rejected. Further amendments can be made.
What is the third reading
The final vote on the bill. There can be a further debate if 6 MPs request it.
What is the other house stage
The process is then repeated in the other house
What is the ping pong stage
This is where the bill keeps going back and forth between the two houses until they both agree
What is royal assent
Monarch gives their approval for the bill to become an act of parliament
What is commencement
An act of parliament becomes a law at midnight on the day of royal assent or on the day set
