parliamentary law making

    Cards (28)

    • What is a bill in the context of parliamentary law-making?

      A bill is a proposal for a new law or to change an existing law.
    • From where can a bill originate?

      A bill can come from government/opposition parties, civil servants, public inquiries, or campaign groups.
    • What is the purpose of a Green Paper in the law-making process?

      A Green Paper presents policy to Parliament through public consultation and encourages public debate.
    • What happens after a cabinet minister agrees to take a proposal forward?

      A bill is drawn up and introduced to Parliament.
    • What is the role of MPs and members of the House of Lords in the law-making process?

      They comment upon, debate, and amend the act through several stages.
    • What is required for a bill to progress through Parliament?

      Both houses must agree to it.
    • What is Royal Assent?

      Royal Assent is the formal approval given by the monarch for a bill to become law.
    • What is a public bill?

      A public bill is the most frequent form of bill that impacts a large section of the country.
    • Give an example of a public bill.

      An example of a public bill is the Legal Services Act 2007.
    • What is a Green Paper?

      A Green Paper is a document issued by the government for consultation on new law proposals.
    • What follows the creation of a Green Paper?

      A White Paper is published, setting out proposals for new laws based on feedback from the Green Paper.
    • What happens during the Report Stage?

      The Committee reports back on amendments made, and further amendments can be debated by the House.
    • What does "ping pong" refer to in parliamentary law-making?
      "Ping pong" refers to amendments to Bills that are rapidly passed between the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
    • What acts limit the power of the House of Lords in relation to the House of Commons?

      The Parliament Acts of 1911 and 1949.
    • Name one Act of Parliament related to the Criminal Law Unit.
      The Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015.
    • Why are new laws needed?

      • To clarify and update current laws
      • To ensure fair and equal treatment under the law
      • To keep society up to date with new developments
      • To plug gaps in the law
      • To correct injustices
    • What is a draft bill?

      A draft bill is issued for consultation before being given to Parliament.
    • Who proposes public bills?

      Government ministers propose the majority of public bills.
    • What is a private members' bill?

      A private members' bill is put forward by other MPs or Lords, not by government ministers.
    • What is a private bill?

      A private bill changes the law as it applies to specific individuals or organizations.
    • What is a hybrid bill?

      A hybrid bill has characteristics of both a public and private bill.
    • What are the stages a bill goes through to become law?

      A bill goes through First Reading, Second Reading, Committee Stage, Report Stage, and Royal Assent.
    • What happens during the First Reading of a bill?

      The name and main aims of the Bill are read out, usually with no discussion or vote.
    • What occurs during the Second Reading of a bill?

      The principles of the entire bill are debated by MPs, followed by a vote.
    • What is the Committee Stage of a bill?

      The Committee Stage involves a detailed examination of each clause of the Bill, with proposed amendments voted on by the committee.
    • What happens if a bill passes the House?

      If a bill passes the House, it is put forward for Royal Assent before becoming an Act of Parliament.
    • What are the advantages of the legislative process?

      • Democratic process involving elected MPs
      • Parliamentary Sovereignty limits judicial power
      • Thorough examination of bills in both Houses
    • What are the disadvantages of the legislative process?

      • Slow process due to multiple stages
      • Lengthy bills with complex language
      • Perceived lack of democracy in the House of Lords
      • Government control limits time for Private Members' bills
      • Potential for knee-jerk reactions in law-making
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