Parliamentary Law Making

• What is the first step in the parliamentary legislative process?

  Green paper - consult with interested parties.
• What is the purpose of a White paper in the parliamentary legislative process?

  It is a draft Bill ready to put before Parliament.
• What types of Bills can be introduced in Parliament?

  Public, private, or private members' Bills.
• What occurs during the First Reading of a Bill?

  The title and aims of the Bill are read out, with no debate.
• What happens during the Second Reading of a Bill?

  There is a full debate and a vote on the Bill.
• Who examines the Bill in detail during the Committee Stage in the House of Commons?

  16-50 MPs examine the Bill in detail.
• What is the role of the Report Stage in the parliamentary process?

  Amendments are presented, and if there are no amendments, this stage can be skipped.
• What occurs during the Third Reading of a Bill?

  There is a final vote on the Bill.
• What happens if the two Houses of Parliament cannot agree on a Bill?

  The Bill will pass back and forth until an agreement is reached (parliamentary ping pong).
• What power do the House of Commons have over the House of Lords regarding legislation?

  The House of Commons can override the unelected House of Lords.
• When was the last time Royal Assent was refused?

  In 1707.
• What are sectional pressure groups in the context of parliamentary law-making?

  Groups that represent specific interests, such as the BMA representing doctors.
• How can media and public opinion influence parliamentary law-making?

  They can start or support campaigns for legislation, such as the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
• What role do lobbyists play in parliamentary law-making?

  They persuade MPs to support campaigns and raise awareness in Parliament.
• What is government policy based on in the context of parliamentary law-making?

  It is set out in their manifesto and the King's Speech at the start of the parliamentary year.
• What was a promise made by the Conservative government in 2019?

  To 'Get Brexit Done'.
• What was a promise made by the Labour party in 1997?

  To pass the Human Rights Act 1998.
• What are the advantages of parliamentary law-making?

  • Democratic: laws are made by elected House of Commons members.
  • Consultation: Green paper allows interested parties to influence laws.
  • Thorough process: goes through 7 stages with full debate and detailed examination.
  • Wide-ranging: allows comprehensive laws on a topic to be consolidated into one Act.
• What are the disadvantages of parliamentary law-making?

  • Not enough time: government may lack time to pass all laws due to emergencies.
  • Long process: the Bill can take many months to become an Act.
  • Government control: the government decides which Bills are debated first.
  • Complexity: laws can be long and detailed, making them hard to understand.
• How does the parliamentary process ensure thorough examination of a Bill?

  It goes through 7 stages, including full debate and detailed examination by committees.
• What impact does a government with a large majority have on parliamentary law-making?

  It can dominate law-making and ensure their proposals become law.
• Why might the laws passed by Parliament be difficult to understand?

  Because they are often very long and detailed, leading to complex interpretations.