1. Legislation: the law-making process
What is a law?
A law is like a rule.
Give some examples of rules which apply in various everyday situations.
E.g. football rules, class rules, house rules, computer game rules …
Why do we need laws?
To maintain order and peace; to protect us from harm, abuse or injury; to enforce our rights as humans and as citizens of our country.
What do you think would happen if we did not have any laws in the UK?
Criminal and civil offences would increase dramatically; democracy would no longer exist. ©
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2. Legislation: the law-making process
A law:
a rule, usually made by a government, that is used to order the way in which a society behaves
Cambridge Dictionaries Online: accessed 26/02/13 ©
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3. Legislation: the law-making process
Which are the main three bodies (people or groups) who make laws in the UK?
the House of Commons
the Prime Minister alone
Princes William and Harry
the Queen
the Mayor
the House of Lords
the Local Authority
Read the information ‘The trio which makes UK laws’ and write the name of the correct body at the top of each description.
Summary:
Laws are made by the legislature, which is the House of Commons and the House of Lords. All new laws have to be approved by the Queen. ©
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4. Legislation: the law-making process
What is a bill?
Here are some recent examples:
Cosmetic Surgery (Minimum Standards) Bill
Free School Meals (Children over the age of 16) Bill
Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill
Voting Age (Reduction to 16) Bill
A bill is a proposal for a new law which is being discussed by the legislature (= the law-making bodies). ©
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5. Legislation: the law-making process
A bill is a proposal for a new law which is being discussed by the legislature (= the law-making bodies).
There are four different types of bill: private bills, public bills, (private) members’ bills and hybrid bills.
Private bills only affect a specific area or group of people.
Public bills affect the whole country and are introduced by the government.
Members’ bills are introduced by a specific group in the House of Commons.
Hybrid bills are public bills which affect a particular person or organisation. ©
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6. Legislation: the law-making process
Quiz: stages of the legislation process
At which stage(s) is there no debate? First Reading; Royal Assent
At which stage(s) is there the most debate? Second Reading; Committee Stage
At which stage(s) do all MPs vote on the bill? Report Stage
What is the ‘standing committee’? A group of MPs who examine a bill
Why does the ‘Ping Pong’ stage have this name?
Because the bill passes from the HOC to the HOL and back.
What does ‘to pass through the house’ mean?
To be discussed by the House of Lords or House of Commons.
What is the difference between a Green Paper and a White Paper?
A Green Paper is just to encourage discussion; a White Paper is a formal proposal
When does a Bill become an Act?
Once the Queen has given her assent. ©
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7. Legislation: the law-making process
Is the legislation process democratic (= fair)?
The Queen
The House of Lords
The House of Commons
The different readings of a bill
The whole law-making process
Democratic
Not democratic ©
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