Parliamentary Law Making Flashcards
1
Q
What are white papers?
A
- This is a firm proposal of new laws which sets out a course of action
- This states how the law will be reformed and why
1
Q
What are green papers?
A
- These are a consultive document which outlines policy and puts forward the governments view on law reform. This allows interested parties to comment on proposals
2
Q
What is formal legislation?
A
- These are acts of parliaments in statutes which are introduced by government departments
- The department give instructions to the civil service lawyers on what to include and the effect of the proposed law
- This then becomes it becomes a draft bill
3
Q
What are the types of bills?
A
- Government Bill = Introduced by a government minister as part of the legislative agenda and cover a wide range of issues
- Private Members Bill = These bills are introduced by MP’s and follow either a ballot or the 10 minute rule
- Public Bill = These bills apply to the whole population and seek change on a national level
- Private Bill = These apply to specific individuals or groups rather than the entire population. The relate to issues such as local government matters
- Hybrid Bill = They apply to both the general public and specific individuals often affecting local communities
4
Q
What is the parliamentary process of making a bill?
A
- First Reading – Formal introduction (no debate).
- Second Reading – Debate on general principles and a vote.
- Committee Stage – Detailed examination and amendment.
- Report Stage – Further consideration of amendments.
- Third Reading – Final debate and approval in the first House.
- Consideration in the Other House – Similar stages in the second House.
- Ping-Pong (if needed) – Resolving disagreements between the two Houses.
- Royal Assent – Final approval by the Monarch.
5
Q
What are advantages of parliamentary law making?
A
- It goes through scrutiny and careful examination
- It ping pongs between the houses
- Flexibility and opportunities for amendments
- Democratically elected MP’s which can amend proposals
- Law is supreme and people will not be bound by potentially bad laws
- Sometimes laws can be rushed and create bad legislation
6
Q
What are disadvantages of parliamentary law making?
A
- It can be a slow and complex process
- The House of Lords are unelected and not representative
7
Q
What are five influences on parliament?
A
- Party Manifestos
- Media and Public Opinion
- Pressure Groups
- Lobbying
- Law Reform Bodies
8
Q
What are party manifestos and evaluation of this?
A
- Political parties are a group of MP’s who set out policies made during an election and influence the bills.
- They were democratically elected so likely represent a diverse viewpoint
- They are held accountable if they do not deliver their promises
- However sometimes they may make promises in their manifestos which are unachievable
- These changes can be costly and open to criticism
9
Q
What is the media and evaluation of this?
A
- The media influences public opinions which pressures MP’s to act on heated topics, media coverage encourages responses of MP’s
- It is free press and allows the public to criticise the government and their policies
- This can influence different laws which leads to a well informed electorate
- It also addresses overlooked issues
- However it can lead to sensationalised views and distorted understanding meaning it can manipulate public opinion
- The government may respond with knee jerk responses which are poorly drafted responses
10
Q
What are pressure groups and evaluation of this?
A
- There are four main pressure groups which are =
1. Interest Groups: Represent specific sections of society to advocate for their members
2. Cause groups: Promote a specific cause or issue such as environmental groups
3. Insider groups: They have direct contact with MP’s
4. Outsider groups: No direct access to decision makers so use barely legal means to promote their cause - They often provide valuable expertise and evidence on specific issues
- They often promote social change for right’s based causes
- However some groups may have a disproportionate influence over government policies
- They are not directly accountable or reflect views of broader population
11
Q
What is lobbying and evaluation of this?
A
- Lobbying is an attempt to influence or persuade law makers through direct communication
- Direct Lobbying is direct involvement with lawmakers
- Indirect Lobbying is influencing the public to sway public opinion to pressure lawmakers to act
- This can promote accountability and prevent decisions which benefit the most powerful
- Lobbying allows various groups to be well represented and have their interests heard by lawmakers
- It often is not transparent as happens behind closed doors so it does not truly consider public interest
- It may become over reliant on lobbyists and sway the opinion too much
12
Q
What law reform and evaluation of this?
A
