Parlimentary Law Making Flashcards
Private Bills
Become laws which only apply to particular individuals or organisations
Public Bills
Become laws which apply to the whole country e.g. Sentencing and Punishment Act 2012
Government Bills
Introduced by government to carry out their manifesto promises e.g. Criminal Courts Act 2015
Private Members’ Bills (+ example)
Introduced by individual MPs (HoC or HoL) Unlikely to become law
e.g. the Abortion Act 1967 introduced by David Steel
Hybrid Bills
Introduced by the government but likely to affect a single organisation, person or place
Pre-legislative: Green Paper
Consulatation Document issued by the government where their views are shared and comments are received from interested parties
Pre-legislative: White Paper
Firm proposal of the new law which takes into account views from consultation.
Bill
A draft law going through parliament before it becomes an Act (after green/white paper)
List the legislative process stages
First reading, second reading, committee stage, report stage, third reading, other house, royal assent
First Reading
Bill is introduced to House with its name and main aims. No vote/discussion.
Second Reading
Debate of the main principles of the bill. A vote takes place after debate.
Committee Stage
Detailed examination of Bill by standing committee (16-50 Mps)
Report Stage
Any amendments from the previous stage are reported back to the hpuse, debated and voted on
Third Reading
Final vote on the bill which is usually just a formality without more debate unless at least 6 MPs request one
Other House
The bill is passed to the other house where the same five stages take place. If amendements are made the bill returns to its original house where the changes are apporved or rejected. The bill may pass back and forth until both houses agree (known as the ping pong stage)
Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949
Allows the bill to proceed to royal assent without the support of the HoL
e.g. Hunting Act 2004
Royal Assent
Monarch approves the bill based on its short title. Becomes an Act at midnight after this approval. Last rejection was the Scottish Militia Bill during Queen Anne’s reign in 1708
Evaluation: Advantages
Democratic- Mps are voted in and Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949
Broad Policy- power is given to others to make detailed rules (DL)
Consultation- Proposed changes are consulted to consider the views of those affected
Thorough process-heavily scrutinised and discussed before enforced.
Evaluation: Disadvantages
Long process- Several months for a bill to become an Act
Lack Of Time- Parliament have little time and political will to consider all proposed reforms
Lack of knowledge- MPs aren’t specialists in every area of legislation
Complexity- Acts are long and complex meaning the public don’t fully understand the law
