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How a Law Is Made

A law starts as a written proposal, called a bill, put forward by the government or by members of parliament. Parliament debates it, changes it and votes on it, and once it is signed and published it becomes a law everyone must follow.

In the picture

  1. Proposal: the government or a member of parliament writes a bill.
  2. Debate: members of parliament discuss the bill and suggest amendments.
  3. Vote: the bill is adopted if a majority votes in favour.
  4. Signature: the head of state signs the law, and then it is published.

Examples

  • A ban on using a phone while driving was passed by parliament before police could fine drivers for it.
  • A ban on smoking in restaurants was debated and voted on before it applied to cafés too.

Quiz: How a Law Is Made (Age 14)

  1. What is a bill?

    • A law that everyone already has to follow
    • A court decision explaining how a law should be applied
    • A written proposal for a new law that parliament will examine
  2. What is needed for parliament to adopt a bill?

    • Every member of parliament must agree to it
    • A majority of members of parliament must vote in favour of it
    • The head of state must approve it before the debate starts
  3. Parliament has just adopted a bill. What still has to happen before everyone must follow it?

    • The head of state signs it and then it is published
    • Parliament debates it again to add amendments
    • All citizens vote on it in a national referendum

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Age 14