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How laws are made

Study note

Before something becomes a law, it starts out as a proposal known as a bill. A bill is not yet law; it is a draft that must be examined and agreed before it can take effect. Calling the proposal a bill, rather than an Act, is an important distinction for the test.

To become law, a bill must be debated and approved by both Houses of Parliament, first the House of Commons and then the House of Lords. Once both Houses have agreed, the bill is sent to the monarch for the final step, called Royal Assent. After it receives Royal Assent, the bill becomes an Act of Parliament and is part of the law. A national referendum is not a normal part of this process. So the order to remember is bill, then debate and approval in the Commons and the Lords, then Royal Assent, and finally it becomes an Act of Parliament.

Memory tip: Bill -> Commons -> Lords -> Royal Assent -> Act of Parliament.

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Question 1 of 6

What is a proposed new law called before it is passed?

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Show all questions and answers for How laws are made(6 questions with explanations)

How laws are made: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. What is a proposed new law called before it is passed?

    • A bill
    • A statute
    • A charter
    • An Act

    Correct answer: A bill

    A proposed law is called a bill; once passed it becomes an Act of Parliament.

  2. 2. What is the final step that turns a bill into a law?

    • A public referendum
    • Approval by the Prime Minister alone
    • Royal Assent from the monarch
    • A decision by the courts

    Correct answer: Royal Assent from the monarch

    After both Houses approve a bill, it receives Royal Assent and becomes law.

  3. 3. Once a bill is passed and receives Royal Assent, what does it become?

    • Act of Parliament
    • Article of Parliament
    • Edict of Parliament
    • Order of Parliament

    Correct answer: Act of Parliament

    A bill that is passed and receives Royal Assent becomes an Act of Parliament.

  4. 4. A bill must be approved by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords before it can become law.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. Both Houses must approve a bill, which then receives Royal Assent.

  5. 5. Which of these statements is correct?

    • A proposed new law is called a bill before it is passed
    • A proposed new law is called an Act before it is passed

    Correct answer: A proposed new law is called a bill before it is passed

    A proposed law is a bill; once passed and given Royal Assent it becomes an Act.

  6. 6. Which of these is NOT part of how a bill becomes law in the UK?

    • Debate in the House of Commons
    • Debate in the House of Lords
    • Royal Assent from the monarch
    • A national referendum on every bill

    Correct answer: A national referendum on every bill

    A bill goes through both Houses and receives Royal Assent; a referendum is not a normal step.

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