The British Parliament

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[...] If no agreement can be reached, the House of Commons can eventually vote to pass the law without consent from the House of Lords through an Act of Parliament which gives them more power over the House of Lords. The Royal Assent The Queen signs-off the bill as a new law or ‘Act of Parliament'. Stages of a Bill Checking the work of government Questioning the PM and government ministers Debating on government policy, proposed new laws and current issues. Debates often end with a vote. Recorded in Hansard. Committee investigation on legislation, specific policy e.g. [...]

[...] The government announces the bill by reading out its title in the House of Commons to let everyone know about it. First Reading Second Reading This is the main debating stage where all MPs can discuss the bill, ask questions and vote on it. It could be voted out at this stage. Committee Stage A smaller group of MPs look at the bill in detail. They may make changes, called ‘amendments', based on their discussions. Report Stage Amendments made during the Committee Stage are reported to everyone in the House of Commons. MPs may vote on these amendments. [...]

[...] Discuss the following: – – – the development of voting rights political parties the electoral system Revision Questions 5. What is an MP? How do they become a MP and what do they do? 6. How are laws made in Parliament? Describe the different stages from a bill to an Act of Parliament How does an MP check the work of government? 8. What are the different types of bills? [...]

[...] • Houses of Parliament Palace of Westminster • House of Commons chamber Green • House of Lords chamber Red • Big Ben The name of the Great Bell; popular name for the Clock Tower Parliament = UK legislature What is parliament? How is it formed? What is its role? How are laws made in Parliament? What is Parliament? The House of Commons The House of Lords The Monarch The Sovereignty of Parliament • Supreme legislative power a constitutional principle limited by 1. European Convention on Human Rights 2. [...]

[...] there is a vote of “no confidence” 2. two thirds of the House of Commons agree to a general election • Next general election fixed 7 May 2015 Role of Parliament Holds the government to account Makes and amends laws Members of Parliament (MPs) represent UK citizens Political representation: voting rights • 1918 male suffrage, women had to be over 30 • 1928 universal suffrage all adults over 21 • 1969 suffrage extended to all men and women over 18 Political representation: political parties Conservative party (Tory) founded 1867 – want to preserve traditional values Liberal Democrat party founded 1988 from a merger between Liberals (founded 1877) and Social Democrats (founded 1981) Labour party, originated from trade unions in 1900, became New Labour in 1997 – defend public services Electoral system There is only one round of voting, one ballot “first past the post” the candidate with the most votes in an electoral area (constituency) wins a seat in parliament Political representation: elections Results of the last UK general election: 6 May 2010 To find out more You can watch the videos about elections and voting on the parliamentary website http://www.parliament.uk/education/onlineresources/parliament-explained/general-elections/ You should download and read the guides on the Houses of Parliament and the House of Commons – from the UM1 ENT See the story of the House of Commons chamber in pictures http://www.parliament.uk/education/online-resources/parliamentexplained/photo-story-house-of-commons-chamber/ Member of Parliament = MP What do they do? [...]