What are the stages of the UK legislative process?
First Reading, Second Reading, Committee Stage, Report Stage, Third Reading, House of Lords consideration, Royal Assent.
What happens at the First Reading?
The bill is formally introduced with no debate.
What happens during the Second Reading?
The bill is debated in general terms and the main principles are considered.
What is the Committee Stage?
A detailed examination of the bill’s provisions, usually by a Public Bill Committee.
What happens in the Report Stage?
The Committee reports back to the House; further amendments may be made.
What is the Third Reading?
The final debate on the bill in its amended form before it moves to the other House.
What are the two main types of bills?
Government Bills and Private Members’ Bills.
What is a Government Bill?
A bill introduced by a government minister, usually supported by the majority party.
What is a Private Member’s Bill?
A bill introduced by a backbench MP, often with less chance of becoming law.
What is Royal Assent?
The formal approval by the monarch that makes a bill become law.
What are some limitations on Parliamentary Sovereignty?
EU membership (pre-Brexit), Human Rights Act 1998, devolution, and political conventions.
Can Parliament bind future Parliaments?
No – under the principle of sovereignty, no Parliament can bind its successors.
How can international law influence UK legislation?
International treaties and obligations (e.g. ECHR) can shape or constrain domestic law-making.
What role does public opinion play in law-making?
It influences MPs and government policy, especially through media, protests, and campaigns.
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