Parliamentary Law Making Flashcards
What is meant by Parliamentary Supremacy?
Parliament, being the most powerful lawmaker in the UK.
What does Parliament have the right to do (under their supremacy)?
Make, amend or repeal any laws whatsoever. No person/body can override Parliament’s legislation. No Parliament can be bound by any previous parliament, or bind any future parliament.
Why should Parliament be supreme?
Because the House of Commons are elected by the public.
Who makes up Parliament?
Monarch, House of Commons, House of Lords.
What type of laws does Parliament make?
Acts of Parliament, Legislation, and statutes.
Other than Parliament, who else can make laws?
Judges, Local councils, and public bodies.
How is Parliament Comprised?
HoC: 650 MPs representing a constituency and political party. HoL: Hereditary peers, Life Peers, Senior Bishops.
What is a Private Member’s Bill?
A Bill introduced to Parliament by an MP not in Government, i.e. Abortion Act 1967.
What is a Public Bill?
Bills that affect the public of the whole country, i.e. The legal aid, sentencing and punishment of offenders Act (LASPO) 2012.
What is a Private Bill?
Bills that only affect certain individual people or businesses, i.e. The Faversham Oyster Fishery Company Bill 2016.
Where does a bill begin?
A new law starts with the relevant government department, i.e. Defence, Justice.
What is the First step and process?
Green paper. The Government department publishes a green paper, this sets out the general aims and invites responses from interested parties.
What is the second step and process?
White paper. Government department then publishes a white paper, this contains firm proposals for a new law.
What is the third step and process?
House of Commons. - FIRST READING: title and aims are read out. - SECOND READING: minister explains the purpose of the Bill MPs debate the bill and vote on it. - THE COMMITTEE STAGE: 16-50 MPs scrutinise the bill in detail. - REPORT STAGE: Committee reports back to the government with suggested amendments. - THIRD READING: another debate is held on the amended Bill.
What is the fourth step and process?
House of Lords. Same process as HoC except at the committee stage the whole house will consider the bill.
