Final answer:
The legislative procedure in the House of Commons involves several stages, including readings, committee stage, and royal assent. It allows for debate, amendments, and voting to shape laws.
Step-by-step explanation:
The legislative procedure in the House of Commons is a process by which bills are introduced, debated, and passed into law. It consists of several stages from the initial proposal to the final royal assent.
- First Reading: The bill is introduced and its title and main objectives are read out. No debate occurs at this stage.
- Second Reading: Members of Parliament (MPs) debate the general principles of the bill. A vote is taken at the end.
- Committee Stage: Detailed examination and debate of the bill occur in committee. Amendments can be proposed and voted on.
- Report Stage: Further examination and amendment of the bill can occur. MPs can propose further changes, and a vote is taken at the end.
- Third Reading: Debate is focused on the final form of the bill. A vote is taken, and if approved, the bill moves to the House of Lords for consideration.
- Consideration in the House of Lords: The bill goes through similar stages in the House of Lords, including readings, committee stage, report stage, and third reading.
- Royal Assent: If the bill passes through both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, it receives royal assent and becomes law.
Throughout this procedure, there are opportunities for debate, amendments, and voting to ensure that laws are carefully considered and reflect the will of the elected representatives.
Learn more about Legislative procedure in the House of Commons