Passing Legislation

What does the HoCs have exclusive power over? Why?

Consent to taxation as they represent the public

In regards to legislation, what can the HoLs do?

To amend non-financial legislation

How do legislative proposals come about?

Parliament reacts to measures put before it by the executive rather than developing its own legislative proposals

What do party whips do?

• Reinforce the adversarial nature of the party system

• Ensuring MPs attend parliamentary votes

• Granting leave of absence if vote is not essential

Three line whip?

The most important votes which are underlined three times

How can government whips persuade MPs?

• Offer the prospect of ministerial posts

• Impose sanctions

• Withdraw the whip

How can Govt push through legislation? Example?

• Use the argument of overriding necessity to push through legislation

2005 Prevention of Terrorism Act was completed in 18 days

An example of a poorly drafted law?

1991 Dangerous Dogs Act in a response to tabloid stories about dog attacks

RSPCA (25 years later): 21/30 deaths by dogs were not of the breeds specified in the Act