Theme B: Making And Shaping Law Flashcards
How do bills become law in the UK?
Bills become law through debate in the House of Commons and the House of Lords, scrutiny by committees, and Royal Assent.
Who can propose new laws in the UK?
New laws may be proposed by the government in power, prompted by current events, or through pressure groups.
What is a mandate in the context of law-making?
A mandate is the authority given to the government by voters to implement laws presented in their election manifesto.
What can prompt the creation of new laws?
New laws can be prompted by current events, such as new technology, acts of terror, or environmental issues.
What are pressure groups?
Pressure groups are groups of people seeking to influence government policy or legislation.
What is the law-making process?
A bill becomes law through debate in the House of Commons and the House of Lords, scrutiny by committees, and Royal Assent by the monarch.
What is a Green Paper?
The proposed law from the House of Commons or Lords is discussed with experts, interested groups, and senior civil servants to inform and shape the proposal.
What is a White Paper?
This is the bill that will be presented to the houses, prepared after Green Paper consultation.
What happens during the First Reading in the House of Commons?
The bill is presented to the House and made available to its members.
What happens during the First Reading in the House of Lords?
The bill is presented to the House and made available to its members.
What occurs during the Second Reading in the House of Lords?
The bill is debated in the House. No vote is taken.
What is Parliamentary ping-pong?
The bill may go back and forth between the Houses until both the Commons and the Lords agree.
What happens during the Committee Stage in the House of Commons?
A committee is formed of about 20 MPs to scrutinise the bill and vote on suggested amendments.
What happens during the Committee Stage in the House of Lords?
Usually the whole House will scrutinise the bill and propose amendments.
What is the Report Stage?
The amended bill is presented to the House; those not involved at committee stage may propose changes.
What happens during the Third Reading in the House of Commons?
MPs vote on the fully amended bill.
What happens during the Third Reading in the House of Lords?
The Lords may still introduce new amendments.
What is Royal Assent?
After the Lords and Commons agree the bill, it is formally approved by the monarch, turning the bill into legislation (law) when it becomes an Act of Parliament.
