exam style questions parliamentary law

• Q: What is parliamentary sovereignty?

  A: The principle that Parliament can make, amend, or repeal any law and no other body can override or set aside its legislation.
• Q: What is the difference between a Green Paper and a White Paper?

  A: A Green Paper is a consultative document proposing changes to the law, while a White Paper is a firm proposal for new legislation.
• Q: What are the stages of a Bill in Parliament?

  A: First Reading, Second Reading, Committee Stage, Report Stage, Third Reading, and consideration by the other House.
• Q: What is a Private Member’s Bill?

  A: A bill introduced by an MP or Lord who is not a government minister.
• Q: What is the role of the House of Lords in the law-making process?

  A: To review, amend, and delay bills, but they cannot ultimately block them due to the Parliament Acts.
• Q: What is the Parliament Act of 1911 and 1949?

  A: Acts that limit the power of the House of Lords by allowing the House of Commons to pass legislation without Lords’ approval after a certain period.
• Q: What is an Act of Parliament?

  A: A law that has been approved by both Houses of Parliament and received Royal Assent.
• Q: What is a hybrid Bill?

  A: A bill that has characteristics of both a public and a private bill, affecting both the general public and specific groups.
• Q: What is a Statutory Instrument?

  A: A form of delegated legislation made by an individual or body under powers given by an Act of Parliament.
• Q: How does the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty affect judicial review?

  A: Courts cannot overrule or declare an Act of Parliament unconstitutional due to the principle of parliamentary sovereignty.
• Q: What is the difference between a public Bill and a private Bill?

  A: A public Bill applies to the whole country, while a private Bill affects only specific individuals or organisations.
• Q: What is Royal Assent?

  A: The formal approval by the monarch that allows a bill to become law.
• Q: What is the purpose of the Committee Stage in the legislative process?

  A: To scrutinise the details of the bill and make amendments.
• Q: What is a Money Bill?

  A: A bill solely concerning national taxation or public expenditure, which must originate in the House of Commons.
• Q: How can Parliament delegate law-making power?

  A: Through enabling Acts that grant authority to government ministers, local authorities, or other bodies to create delegated legislation.
• Q: What is the significance of the “Second Reading” in the legislative process?

  A: It is the stage where the general principles of the bill are debated and voted on by the whole House.
• Q: What is the purpose of the “Report Stage” in the legislative process?

  A: To consider further amendments and ensure the bill is in its final form before the Third Reading.
• Q: What are Henry VIII clauses?

  A: Provisions in primary legislation allowing ministers to amend or repeal Acts of Parliament using delegated legislation.
• Q: How does the House of Lords delaying a bill affect its passage?

  A: Under the Parliament Acts, the House of Commons can still pass the bill after one year if the Lords repeatedly reject it.
• Q: What role does the Speaker of the House of Commons play in the legislative process?

  A: The Speaker ensures the orderly conduct of debates and may certify certain bills as Money Bills.