Public: Primary Legislation and Secondary Legislation

Question 1

What underpins parliamentary legitimacy in the UK?

Answer 1

That MPs in the House of Commons are elected in open

Question 2

Why is the UK’s ‘first past the post’ system said to limit representativeness?

Answer 2

Because it heavily favours major parties

Question 3

Under what circumstances must a judge notify the Speaker about an MP?

Answer 3

When an MP is convicted and sentenced to any term of imprisonment. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Question 4

What consequences flow from an MP being imprisoned for over one year?

Answer 4

They are disqualified from sitting and voting in the Commons or its committees. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Question 5

What is the role of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA)?

Answer 5

To regulate and publish MPs’ business costs and expenses

Question 6

Who investigates breaches of the Commons’ Code of Conduct?

Answer 6

The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards

Question 7

Name two sanctions the Commons’ Committee on Standards can recommend.

Answer 7

Suspension from the House and expulsion (in the most serious cases). :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Question 8

How are members of the House of Lords appointed today?

Answer 8

Mainly by Prime Ministerial recommendation to the Monarch

Question 9

What is Parliamentary privilege under Article 9 of the Bill of Rights 1689?

Answer 9

Freedom of speech for members in proceedings—you cannot be sued or questioned in court for things said or done in Parliament. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Question 10

What ancient privilege exempts MPs and peers from civil arrest?

Answer 10

They cannot be arrested on civil matters during parliamentary sessions without the House’s consent. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Question 12

What defines primary legislation?

Answer 12

Acts of Parliament (public or private) passed by both Houses and given Royal Assent.

Question 13

How does secondary legislation differ?

Answer 13

Made under powers in a parent Act (e.g. statutory instruments

Question 14

What are the two types of Acts of Parliament?

Answer 14

Public Acts (general public concern) and private Acts (specific individuals or bodies). :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Question 15

Outline the five main stages a Bill goes through in each House.

Answer 15

First Reading; Second Reading; Committee Stage; Report Stage; Third Reading. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Question 16

What happens at Royal Assent?

Answer 16

The Monarch formally approves a Bill

Question 17

When does an Act normally come into force?

Answer 17

On Royal Assent or on a commencement date set in the Act

Question 18

Why can delegated legislation be ‘quashed’ by the courts?

Answer 18

If it goes beyond the powers granted by its parent Act (ultra vires). :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

Question 19

What are the two main parliamentary procedures for scrutinising SIs?

Answer 19

Negative procedure (laid and effective unless annulled) and affirmative procedure (requires explicit approval). :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

Question 20

Who checks clarity and legal conformity of SIs?

Answer 20

The Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

Question 21

Why is secondary legislation so prevalent?

Answer 21

Because it allows flexible

Question 22

What are the three opening elements of every Act of Parliament?

Answer 22

Short title; long title (preamble); and year/chapters number :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Question 23

How is the body of an Act of Parliament organised?

Answer 23

Into Parts (and sometimes Chapters)

Question 24

What are the subdivisions within a section?

Answer 24

Sub-sections

Question 25

Where do you find detailed ancillary provisions (e.g. transitional arrangements) in an Act?

Answer 25

In Schedules at the end of the Act :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Question 26

Which clause specifies when and where an Act comes into force?

Answer 26

The Commencement clause (often empowering a Minister to make an SI) :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Question 27

What clause defines the geographic extent of an Act of Parliament?

Answer 27

The Extent clause stating which parts of the UK it applies to :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Question 28

What supplementary material often accompanies an Act of Parliament for guidance?

Answer 28

Explanatory Notes and a Table of Origins (not part of the Act itself)

Question 29

What are the opening elements of an Act of Senedd Cymru?

Answer 29

Short title; “Senedd Cymru” Act number (e.g. “2024 anaw 1”); and long title

Question 30

How is the body of an Act of Senedd Cymru structured?

Answer 30

Into Parts (and if needed Chapters)

Question 31

Where are detailed provisions and technical schedules placed in Senedd Acts?

Answer 31

In Schedules appended at the end of the Act

Question 32

How do Senedd Acts indicate commencement?

Answer 32

By a Commencement section

Question 33

What clause shows the territorial application of a Senedd Act?

Answer 33

The Extent clause specifying which parts of Wales or UK legislation it amends

Question 34

What accompanying documents help interpret a Senedd Act?

Answer 34

Explanatory Memorandum and Explanatory Notes (for Members’ and public guidance)