Delegated legislation

Question 1

What is delegated legislation?

Answer 1

When parliament gives powers to another body by passing an Enabling Act.

Question 2

What are the 3 types of delegated legislation?

Answer 2

By-laws
Statutory instruments
Orders in council

Question 3

What are by-laws?

Answer 3

Rules made by local authorities or public bodies to manage specific issues.

Question 4

What is an example of a by-law?

Answer 4

The Transport Act 2000 which allows the Strategic Railway Authority to make railway by-laws.

Question 5

What are statutory instruments?

Answer 5

A type of delegated legislation made by government ministers under the authority of an Enabling Act.

Question 6

What do statutory instruments allow the government to do?

Answer 6

They allow the government to make detailed laws or regulations without needing to pass a new Act of parliament.

Question 7

What are Orders in Council?

Answer 7

A type of delegated legislation made by the King and Privy Council under the Enabling Act.

Question 8

What is the Privy Council?

Answer 8

A body made up of senior politicians who are or used to be in the House of Commons or House of Lords.

Question 9

What are advantages of delegated legislation?

Answer 9

Saves parliamentary time

Ensures that laws are made by those with relevant expertise

Can be used quickly in emergencies or new situations.

Question 10

What are disadvantages of delegated legislation?

Answer 10

Undemocratic

Overused so people may not understand the laws

Lack of control which means poor law-making may not be corrected.