law making: parliamentary (chap3)

    Cards (109)

    • What is the primary principle in democracy regarding law-making?
      It should be made by elected representatives.
    • Who makes major laws in the UK?
      Parliament
    • What are the two houses of Parliament?
      House of Commons and House of Lords
    • How are members of the House of Commons selected?
      By the electorate
    • What happens if a member of Parliament dies?
      A by-election is held for replacement.
    • What is the nature of the House of Lords?
      It is a non-elected body.
    • How many hereditary peers are in the House of Lords?
      92 hereditary peers
    • How many bishops are in the House of Lords?
      26 bishops
    • What is a Green Paper?
      A consultative document for law reform proposals.
    • What is a White Paper?
      A document with proposals for new law.
    • What is the purpose of consultation in law-making?
      To gather views and make necessary changes.
    • What is the first step in the formal legislative process?
      Introducing a Bill in Parliament.
    • Who drafts most Bills in Parliament?
      Civil servants known as parliamentary counsel.
    • What is a Private Members' Bill?
      A Bill introduced by individual MPs.
    • What is the role of the House of Commons in the legislative process?
      Most Bills are introduced and voted on here.
    • What happens if the House of Commons votes against a Bill?
      The Bill ends and does not proceed.
    • What is the role of the House of Lords in the legislative process?
      To review Bills and vote against them if necessary.
    • What do the Parliament Acts of 1911 and 1949 allow?
      To bypass the House of Lords if necessary.
    • How long can the House of Lords delay a law?
      Up to one year.
    • What is required for a Bill to become law?
      It must pass through both Houses of Parliament.
    • What is the first reading of a Bill?
      Bill's title is read without discussion.
    • What occurs during the second reading of a Bill?
      MPs debate the main principles and vote.
    • What happens during the committee stage of a Bill?
      A committee examines the Bill in detail.
    • What is the report stage of a Bill?
      Amendments are reviewed and debated.
    • What is the third reading of a Bill?
      Usually a formality unless further debate is requested.
    • What is 'ping pong' in the legislative process?
      Amendments sent back and forth between Houses.
    • What is royal assent?
      Monarch formally approves the Bill.
    • When was the last refusal of royal assent?
      In 1707.
    • What happens after royal assent is granted?
      The Bill becomes law.
    • What is the commencement of an Act?
      When the Act comes into force.
    • What does "BE IT ENACTED" signify in an Act?
      It confirms the Act has passed.
    • What is a disadvantage of law-making in Parliament?
      Parliament often lacks time for reforms.
    • Why can the process of passing a Bill be lengthy?
      It involves multiple stages and discussions.
    • What is a common issue with Acts of Parliament?
      They are often long and complex.
    • What can complicate understanding of the law?
      One Act amending another Act.
    • What are the advantages and disadvantages of law-making in Parliament?
      Advantages:
      • Better representation of the electorate
      • High level of transparency
      • Engages public participation

      Disadvantages:
      • Time constraints for reforms
      • Complexity of Acts
      • Potential for legal disputes
    • What does parliamentary sovereignty mean?
      Parliament can legislate on any matter.
    • What is the significance of the parliamentary process?
      It ensures laws are thoroughly debated and refined.
    • What is the role of the electorate in law-making?
      They elect representatives who make laws.
    • How does the political cycle affect law-making?
      It focuses on the electorate and majority interests.