'The House of Commons most important function is to participate in the law making process' Give arguments for and against this view

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13th September 2005                                                        Louise Collins

‘The House of Commons most important function is to participate in the law making process’ Give arguments for and against this view

Parliament is described as the ‘legislature’; this suggests its main role is to make laws. However, the legislative procedure process is a relatively small part of its functions. The House of Commons, in particular, plays a much wider role in the British political system than the term ‘legislature’ suggests. There are many different functions undertaken by the House of Commons.

The House of Commons plays an important role in law making; they do not legislate, however, they can put forward bills to the House of Lords. Two circumstances apply to this: The first being a Private Members’ Bill, this is when a bill is introduced by an individual MP and the second is a free vote, this is when MPs are allowed to make up their own minds without the interference of the whips but by no means is the House of Commons a law-maker in the true sense of the word. The House of Commons’ most important function could, therefore, be law making; Private members’ bills do allow for a few important legislatures, as singular MPs have been listened to. Such important bills as the 1967 abortion act and homosexual law reform measures have all been put forward by a single MP and have been legislated. However, there is downfall to the seemingly ideal Private members’ bill, success is rare and to introduce a bill with no chance of success in the House of Commons is futile. Although success is rare, MPs have realised that by the failure of the bill it creates publicity for the issue and this may encourage public support if it is reported in nationwide newspapers.

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Law making in the House of Commons is also the most important function as any MP can influence the legislation content, they can put forward their ideas and debate them in order to put forward a suitable bill to the House of Lords, trying to make sure there are no flaws. As the House of Commons is an elected chamber, the voice and opinions of the nation are also put forward by each MP from each constituency. MPs in the House of Commons are there to represent the nation as a whole, so they can influence legislation to help ...

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