Passing a bill Flashcards
What is the first step in the process of a bill becoming an act?
Bill is drafted (green paper then white paper)
The drafting begins with a green paper that outlines initial ideas, followed by a white paper that presents a more refined proposal.
What is a Green Paper?
An idea for change drafted by government ministers
It serves as a consultative document on a topic with proposals for law reform.
What is a White Paper?
The amended version that is put forward to propose a new law
It reflects changes made after consultations on the Green Paper.
What occurs during the First Reading in the House of Commons?
A formal procedure where the name of the Bill is read out
No discussion takes place at this stage.
What happens during the Second Reading?
MPs debate the principles behind the bill
The debate focuses on the main part of the bill rather than the details.
What is the purpose of the Committee Stage?
A detailed examination of all parts of the bill is carried out by a committee of up to 50 MPs
Committee members usually have special interest or knowledge in the subject.
What occurs during the Report Stage?
The committee may have amended and voted on any clauses in the bill and the amendments
This stage allows further scrutiny of the changes made.
What is the significance of the Third Reading?
This is the final vote on the bill; it is unlikely to fail at this stage
It represents the last opportunity for Parliament to reject the bill.
What must happen after the bill passes the House of Commons?
The bill must be passed to the House of Lords to repeat the same 5 stages
If changes are made by the House of Lords, the bill may return to the House of Commons for further consideration.
What does ‘ping pong’ refer to in the legislative process?
The process where the bill is sent back and forth between the House of Commons and the House of Lords
This occurs if there are disagreements on amendments.
What is Royal Assent?
Once the bill is agreed on, it is given to the monarch for approval
After Royal Assent, the bill becomes an act of parliament.
When does an act come into force?
At midnight of the day it has been passed
Preparation time is given to relevant forces, such as police.
