Law · Year 12 · Law Making · 2.º Período

Parliamentary Law Making

Students investigate the legislative process in Parliament, including the influences on Parliament and the stages of a Bill.

TL;DR:Parliamentary law making is the cornerstone of the UK's legislative system. This topic covers the journey of a Bill through both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, from its initial conception to Royal Assent. Students examine the various influences on Parliament, including political manifestos, public opinion, pressure groups, and emergency events, which shape the legislative agenda.

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• AQA A-Level Law 3.1.2.1 Parliamentary law making
• OCR H415/01 2.1 Parliamentary law making

About This Topic

Parliamentary law making is the cornerstone of the UK's legislative system. This topic covers the journey of a Bill through both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, from its initial conception to Royal Assent. Students examine the various influences on Parliament, including political manifestos, public opinion, pressure groups, and emergency events, which shape the legislative agenda.

A key theoretical component is the doctrine of Parliamentary Supremacy, as defined by A.V. Dicey. Students analyze how this principle functions in a modern context, considering the impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 and the UK's post-Brexit legal landscape. This unit is vital for understanding the democratic legitimacy of the laws that govern the country.

Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation during a simulated legislative process.

Key Questions

1. What influences Parliament to make new laws?
2. What are the stages a Bill must pass through to become an Act?
3. How does the doctrine of parliamentary supremacy operate?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The House of Lords can permanently block any Bill.

What to Teach Instead

Under the Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949, the Lords can only delay most Bills for up to a year. A simulation of the 'ping-pong' process helps students see how the Commons ultimately holds the power.

Common Misconception

Royal Assent is a stage where the King can reject a law.

What to Teach Instead

While technically possible, Royal Assent is now a constitutional formality and has not been refused since 1708. Discussing the 'constitutional convention' helps students understand the reality of modern monarchy.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game

Passing a Bill

Assign students roles as MPs, Lords, and the Monarch. They must take a controversial 'Classroom Bill' through the stages of First Reading, Second Reading, Committee Stage, Report Stage, and Third Reading, including a 'ping-pong' session between houses.

60 min·Whole Class

Think-Pair-Share

Pressure Group Influence

Provide students with three real-world laws (e.g., the smoking ban). They must identify which pressure groups might have influenced the law and what methods they likely used, then compare their theories with a partner.

20 min·Pairs

Inquiry Circle

Supremacy Case Studies

In groups, students research a case where Parliamentary Supremacy was challenged (e.g., Factortame or Miller). They create a timeline of the conflict between Parliament and other bodies to present to the class.

45 min·Small Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Green Paper and a White Paper?

A Green Paper is a preliminary consultative document that sets out proposals for discussion without any formal commitment to action. A White Paper is a more definitive statement of government policy and often forms the basis for a Bill to be introduced to Parliament.

How does Parliamentary Supremacy work today?

Parliamentary Supremacy means Parliament is the supreme law-making body and cannot be bound by its predecessors or bind its successors. While the Human Rights Act 1998 allows courts to declare laws 'incompatible,' it does not allow them to strike laws down, maintaining Parliament's ultimate authority.

What are the stages of a Bill in Parliament?

The main stages are: First Reading (introduction), Second Reading (debate on principles), Committee Stage (detailed clause-by-clause scrutiny), Report Stage (amendments considered), and Third Reading (final vote). This process is repeated in the other House before Royal Assent.

What are the best hands-on strategies for teaching parliamentary law making?

Simulating the legislative process is the most effective method. When students have to propose amendments in a 'Committee Stage' or debate a Bill's principles, they internalize the procedural hurdles and the importance of scrutiny. This active participation makes the complex journey from Bill to Act much more intuitive.