UNIT 2- Constitution Glossary Flashcards
Parliamentary sovereignty
The idea that parliament has absolute legal authority
Entrenched
Secured, set in place
Unitary state
All parts are governed in the same way
Quasi-federal
Some powers are given to local governments
Bill
A legislative proposal that is yet to complete the parliamentary process
First reading
A formal presentation of the title of the bill.
There is no debate or vote
Second reading
The main debate on the principle of the bill.
Government minister explains and justifies objectives
Back benchers contribute to debate.
If the bill is contested a vote is taken, defeats are rare at this stage
Committee stage
Bills are sent to a public bill committee where detailed scrutiny of each clause occurs and amendments can be made.
There is a new committee for each bill.
The membership reflects the house as a whole.
Report stage
Amendments made in committee are considered by the full house. It may accept, reject or alter them
Third reading
A debate on the amended bill. No further amendments are permitted
Private members bill
Allow back benchers to raise issues that are important to them and their constituents
Select committees
Scrutinise policy, administration and expenditure of government departments.
The opposition
The largest party not included in government.
They have two major tasks:
- oppose and harry government, table amendments, force votes, QT
- government in waiting, develop policies
