Parliamentary Law Making

• What is the initial stage in the process of creating a law?

  Consulting relevant people via Green and/or White Paper
• What does a Green Paper generally outline?

  Intention to change law and suggests possible formats
• Where is a Green Paper commonly published for review?

  On the internet for public comment
• What action follows the publication of a Green Paper?

  Interested parties make comments and suggestions
• What does a White Paper represent?

  A positive proposal on the new law
• What does a White Paper often incorporate?

  Changes in response to opinions of interested parties
• What opportunity is available after the White Paper is published?

  Further consultation before the final Bill
• What document initiates all Acts of Parliament?

  A Bill
• What does a Public Bill address?

  Matters affecting the whole country or large section
• What do Public Bills frequently reflect?

  The manifesto of the government in power
• Who sponsors Private Members' Bills?

  Individual Members of Parliament (MPs)
• How many members are selected to present Private Members' Bills per parliamentary session?

  20 members
• Why are Private Members' Bills less likely to become law?

  Time for debating them is very short
• What is the purpose of a Private Bill?

  Affect only individual people or corporations
• What occurs during the first reading of a Bill?

  The title of the Bill is read
• What happens during the second reading of a Bill?

  MPs debate the main principles of the Bill
• What happens at the end of the second reading of a Bill?

  House of Commons votes on whether to proceed
• What happens during the committee stage of a Bill?

  Detailed examination where every clause is agreed to
• What takes place during the report stage of a Bill?

  Amendments are debated and voted upon
• What happens during the third reading of a Bill?

  Final debate without amendments
• What happens to the Bill after it passes the House of Commons?

  It goes to the House of Lords
• What is 'ping pong' in the legislative process?

  Bill returns to House of Commons
• What is needed for a Bill to become law after passing through both Houses?

  Royal Assent from the King
• What results from Royal Assent being granted to a Bill?

  The Bill becomes an Act of Parliament
• When do most Acts of Parliament take effect?

  On a specified future date
• What are the stages of the legislative process in Parliament?

  • First reading: Title is read to the House of Commons
  • Second reading: MPs debate main principles and vote
  • Committee stage: Detailed examination of the Bill
  • Report stage: Committee reports back and amendments are debated
  • Third reading: Final debate without amendments, just a vote on whether to proceed with the legislation as it stands
  • House of Lords: Similar process of three readings
  • Royal Assent: King gives consent for the Bill to become law
• What are the types of Bills in Parliament?

  • Public Bills: Affect the whole country or large sections
  • Private Members' Bills: Sponsored by individual MPs
  • Private Bills: Designed to affect only individuals or corporations
• What are the key differences between Public Bills and Private Members' Bills?

  • Public Bills: Reflect government policy, affect large populations
  • Private Members' Bills: Individual MPs sponsor, less likely to become law
• What is the final step for a Bill to become law?

  Royal Assent
• What was the aim of the Juries Act 1974?

  To modernise jury service rules
• What type of Bill is the Children and Social Work Act 2017?

  Public Bill
• What type of Bill is the Abortion Act 1967?

  Private Members Bill
• What type of Bill is the University College London Act 1996?

  Private Bill
• What did the Abortion Act 1967 do?

  Legalised abortion
• What did the University College London Act 1996 aim to do?

  To unite multiple institutions
• What did the Children and Social Work Act 2017 do?

  Improve support for looked after children
• What are White Papers and Green Papers?

  Tools for the government to articulate policies
• What is the central purpose of a Green Paper?

  To stimulate discussion and gather feedback
• What broader process of policy development is a Green Paper often the first step in?

  A broader process of policy development
• Who is invited to comment on a Green Paper?

  Stakeholders, including the public