Passage of a bill

Question 1

Step 1 of 10

Answer 1

Green or white paper

When a bill is first written out. This allows the government to consult on the bill before presenting it to parliament

Question 2

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Answer 2

First reading- a formality, the bill is read out to either the house of commons or house of lords

Question 3

Step 3 of 10

Answer 3

Second reading- a bill is debated in parliament and is voted on

Question 4

Step 4 of 10

Answer 4

If it passes second reading, the bill goes to committee stage. It is scrutinised line by line by a bill committee OR sometimes by the whole house i.e. in case of EU withdrawal bill.

Question 5

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Answer 5

Report stage- any amendments are made in the house

Question 6

Step 6 of 10

Answer 6

Third or final reading- No amendments are made, the bill is read out in the house and voted on

Question 7

Step 7of 10

Answer 7

Bill passes to other house- lords if introduced in commons, or commons if introduced in lords. It then follows steps 1-6 through that house

Question 8

Step 8 of 10

Answer 8

Bill passes back to opposite house and is voted upon

Question 9

Step 9 of 10

Answer 9

Once bill has passed both houses, it gains royal assent. This is the monarch’s role to sign a bill into law

Question 10

Step 10 of 10

Answer 10

A bill mmediately becomes law or becomes law after a ‘commencement order’ (delay)