WK 5 - Primary Legislation Flashcards
Define law-making
The need to change and make laws
What is a major function of Parliament
Ability to legislate (make laws)
What is primary legislation?
Acts of Parliament
What is the legislative process based on?
Laws based on public debate + deliberation over arbitrary will
Role of legislation
- Implements government policies
- Laws enable public bodies to implement government’s policies
- Without legislation, public bodies have no legal power to act
Who does legislative power rest with in the UK?
Crown-In-Parliament
What is the difference between a Bill and an Act?
Bill - proposed legislation (not yet in force)
Act - enacted legislation (in force)
Describe public bills
Almost always introduced by executive (Gov’t) over Parliament.
Who scrutinises Bills?
Parliament
Name the types of Bills
- Public Bills
- Private Member’s Bills
- Private Bills
- Hybrid Bills
Describe private members’ bills
- Introduced by MPs or Lords who aren’t gov’t ministers
- Also a type of Public Bill
Describe private bills
- Only changes law as it is applied to specific individuals or organisations, rather than general public
- e.g., Highgate Cemetery Bill
Describe hybrid bills
- The changes to law proposed would affect the general public, but also have a significant impact on specific groups/individuals
- e.g., High Speed Rail Bills
Who dominates the legislative process?
Executive branch - Government
- Although it is legislative branch, almost always Parliament only debates, examines, and enacts legislation introduced by Gov’t
Define Parliament Acts mechanism
…whereby HoC bypasses Lords’ consent and sends Bill to King after the Lords’ delaying time has lapsed
