9084 · 1.1.2
Parliamentary law making flashcards
Revision flashcards for Cambridge 9084 Parliamentary law making (syllabus 1.1.2). Flip, recall, then mark a real past-paper question.
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Public bill?
Affects general public — e.g. Criminal Justice Act.
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Private bill?
Benefits specific person/organisation — e.g. local authority powers.
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Second reading?
Debate on general principles — vote on whether bill proceeds.
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Committee stage?
Detailed clause-by-clause examination and amendments.
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Royal Assent?
Monarch/formal approval — bill becomes Act of Parliament.
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Law Commission role?
Independent body proposing law reform — codification, consolidation.
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What is a Green Paper?
A government consultation document on a new policy or proposed law. It outlines tentative proposals and invites comments and discussion from interested parties before firm decisions are made.
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Define the Second Reading stage.
The first substantive stage in the legislative process where the main principles of a Bill are debated by the whole House. A vote is taken at the end; if the Bill is approved, it proceeds to the next stage.
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What is the purpose of the Parliament Acts 1911 & 1949?
To limit the legislative power of the House of Lords. They allow the elected House of Commons to pass most legislation (except money bills) without the Lords' consent after a delay of approximately one year.
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Distinguish between a Public Bill and a Private Bill.
A Public Bill affects the whole country or a large section of it (e.g., a new criminal justice law). A Private Bill only affects a specific individual, organisation, or locality (e.g., a bill to grant powers to a specific university).
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What is the 'whip' system in Parliament?
A system of party discipline where MPs are instructed by party officials (whips) on how to vote. A 'three-line whip' is the strongest instruction, which MPs are expected to follow, ensuring the government can pass its legislation.
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What is a Hybrid Bill?
A bill that has characteristics of both a Public and Private Bill. It affects the general public but also has a significant impact on specific private interests, e.g., the HS2 railway bills.
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What is a White Paper?
A government document that sets out firm policy proposals for legislation. It follows a Green Paper and consultation, representing the government's definite intention to legislate.
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What happens at the Report Stage?
The whole House debates and votes on amendments made to a bill during the Committee Stage. Further amendments can also be suggested at this point.
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What is the purpose of the Third Reading?
It is the final opportunity for the House to debate the contents of a bill. No amendments can be made at this stage in the House of Commons. A final vote is taken to decide if the bill should proceed to the other House.
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What is a commencement order?
A piece of delegated legislation (a statutory instrument) that specifies when an Act of Parliament, or parts of it, will come into force as law. Not all Acts become law immediately upon receiving Royal Assent.