Passage of Legislation - unit 2 Flashcards
Explain the origin of bills in the UK.
Government bills are usually found in the manifesto of the largest party. Bills can also come from Private Members Bills which are outlined with Green papers or White papers. This allows committees to undertake pre legislative scrutiny.
Give an example of a Private Members Bill in the UK.
For example, The Abortion Act 1967 was a Members Bill passed by a Liberal MP.
The Neonatal care act was passed in 2023 by an SNP MP.
Analyse the origin of bills in the UK.
Before legislation is passed there is an extensive process which must be followed to ensure that all bills have a detailed and robust outline. Therefore, this ensures that legislation in the UK is highly robust due to the many readings and debates.
Explain the passage of bills in the UK.
There are 7 stages, including a formal reading, second reading and a main debate. The Public Bills Committee then scrutinises and amends the bill and sends it back to the Commons. The King then offers Royal assent and the bill is made law.
Give an example of a Private Members Bill which reached the Public Bills Committee stage, in the UK.
For example, in 2022 the Neonatal Care Bill reached the Committee stage.
Analyse the passage of bills in the UK.
The great number of stages in the passage of legislation means that there are many stages for it to be bounced or rejected. This makes it a long process and only 7/150 Members Bills become law each year. This reduces the impact of those outside of government on legislation.
Explain the role of the monarch in the passage of UK legislation.
The monarch has relatively no power in the passage of legislation. At the beginning of each Parliamentary session the King outlines government proposals. The King is also required to give royal assent on each bill passed. IN theory the King cannot refuse royal assent as the monarch must remain politically neutral.
When was the last time Royal Assent was refused?
The last time royal assent was refused was in 1708.
Analyse the role of the monarch in the passage of UK legislation.
Rather than actually impacting legislation the act of royal assent is totally regarded as a formality and the monarch hypothetically cannot influence any decisions made by the government and they cannot impact the passage of legislation.
Explain the origin of bills in the US.
Bills originate from either the House or Senate. In the Senate Bills are read and in the House bills are placed on the clerk’s desk. Bills are then debated and amended by committees which have policy specialists.
Give an example of a committee and their role in the origin of legislation.
The Justice and Judicial Committee has many sub committees which focus on many specific bills.
Analyse the origin of bills in the US.
The opinions and policies of the President are not guaranteed to become law, especially if the House and Senate do not have a majority of the President’s party. This is significant because bills can be passed which differ from the President’s agenda.
Explain the passage of bills in the US.
The committee stage comes before debates in which specialist committees have the power to amend and scrutinise bills. Most legislation fails at this stage, bills that pass this stage are then reviewed, the main aims of the bills are outlined and financial implications are calculated. Finally, the floor debates and votes on the bill.
Give an example of congressional committees amending bills in the US.
For example, the Energy and Commerce committee had the cheif of Tik Tok testify before them, in their bid to pass a bill banning the use of the app.
Analyse the passage of bills in the US.
The specialist committees can amend a bill before its debated, therefore influencing its final state. This ensures that bills are well thought out and effective in practise. The specialist advice of committees ensures that bills are robust before debates, increasing the likelihood of it being passed.
