Parliamentary Law Making (PLM) Flashcards
Where does a bill start its journey?
A bill begins in the house of commons or the house of lords (except for finance bills which always start in the house of commons)
What are the 7 steps of the legislative process?
- First reading
- Second reading
- Committee stage
- Report stage
- Third reading
- Opposite house
- Royal assent
Mnemonic :
Finding shells can really take oceans ripples
What is the first reading?
the tile of the bill is read out either in the House of Commons or the House of Lords. The main aims of a bill are outlined. No debate takes place but a vote does.
What is the second reading?
The main policy areas of the bill are debated by the whole house before a vote takes place on whether it can progress to the next stage.
What is the committee stage?
A detailed examination of the bill happens where a standing committee of between 16 and 50 MP’s (usually experts in certain areas of the bill) refine each amendment to make sure the language and proposals are correct. A vote takes places before it reaches the next stage.
What is the report stage?
The changes made by the committee are reported back to the house.
What is the third reading?
This is a review of the whole bill whereby it is voted on and then passed to the house of lords for analysis.
What is opposite house?
Parliamentary ping pong is the transference of the bill back and forth between houses to try and resolve disagreement about the final bill. The house of lords cant refuse a law - they can only delay in by one year - The Parliament act 1911 and 1949.
What is royal assent?
The final bill is sent to the reigning monarch for approval to make the bill law of the land.
What percentages of bills begin in each house?
75% in the house of commons
25% in the house of lords.
Advantages of parliamentary law making
+ Democratic process - People can vote who is in power which makes the process more democratic and equal.
+ Allows detail to be added later - Small details can be changed after a bill is passed without having to repeat the whole process.
+ Allows reform for a whole area of law - Any laws created by the government that are controversial can be removed to make the law clearer.
Disadvantages of parliamentary law making
- Long process - government attention can be wasted on one act for a long time.
- Lack of time - Some stages are given limited time meaning the process may be rushed.
