Parliamentary Law-making

Question 1

Royal assent

Answer 1

The final stage in the Parliamentary process. This is strictly a formality, as by convention the crown will always assent to legislation that has been passed through both Houses of Parliament. Following the Royal Assent a Bill will become law.

Question 2

Bill

Answer 2

A proposed law that has not yet been passed by Parliament and received Royal Assent.

Question 3

Separation of powers

Answer 3

A theory that states that three functions of the state (executive, legislature and judiciary) should have separate powers that do not overlap. This in theory reduces the misuse of power.

Question 4

Executive

Answer 4

The arm of the state that is responsible for the creation of policy. Their role in the law-making process is deciding what the law should achieve. This role is undertaken by the Government.

Question 5

Legislature

Answer 5

The arm of the state that is responsible for making law. Their role is to debate, amend and vote upon proposed laws. This role is carried out by the Houses of Parliament (the House of Commons and the House of Lords).

Question 6

Judiciary

Answer 6

The arm of the state that is responsible for applying the law to real-life situations. This role is undertaken in the courts by judges.

Question 7

House of Commons

Answer 7

The lower House of Parliament which is actually the most powerful. The power results from the election of it’s members by the electorate.

Question 8

House of Lords

Answer 8

The upper House of Parliament. As members of the House of Lords are appointed (rather than elected) they have limited power. Since the passing of the Parliament Acts in 1911 and 1949 the House cannot veto Bills, it is only able to delay them for up to one year. If the Bill is a money Bill (related to taxation) then the power of delay is reduced to one month.