Role of House of Commons in Legislation

The House of Commons plays a central role in the formal legislative process in the UK. As the lower house of the UK Parliament, the House of Commons is responsible for initiating and passing bills that become law. Here is the specific role of the House of Commons in the UK formal legislative process.

Initiation and Introduction of Bills
The House of Commons is responsible for initiating and introducing bills that become law. Bills can be introduced by members of parliament, by the government, or through private members' bills. The process of introducing a bill involves several stages, including a first reading, a second reading, and a committee stage where the bill is scrutinised in detail.

Debate and Voting
The House of Commons provides a forum for debate and discussion of bills. Members of Parliament are free to express their opinions and raise concerns about the bill during debates. The House of Commons also votes on whether to accept or reject the bill, and if the bill is accepted, it moves to the next stage of the legislative process.

Committee Stage
During the committee stage, the bill is scrutinised in detail by a select committee of MPs. The committee can propose amendments to the bill to improve its effectiveness or ensure that it is in line with best practice. The committee stage provides an opportunity for MPs to scrutinise the bill and ensure that it is fit for purpose.

Report Stage
During the report stage, the committee's amendments are debated and voted on by the whole House of Commons. This provides an opportunity for all MPs to have their say on the proposed amendments and ensure that they are in line with the overall objectives of the bill.

Third Reading and Passing of the Bill
The final stage of the House of Commons' role in the formal legislative process is the third reading. This stage provides an opportunity for MPs to make any final amendments to the bill before it is passed. If the bill is accepted at the third reading, it moves to the House of Lords for scrutiny and further amendments.

In conclusion, the House of Commons plays a critical role in the formal legislative process in the United Kingdom. It is responsible for initiating and introducing bills, providing a forum for debate and discussion, scrutinising bills in detail, proposing amendments, and passing bills that become law. The House of Commons ensures that bills are subject to thorough scrutiny and review before they become law, which is essential for a well-functioning democracy.
Back to blog

UOL Case Bank

Upon joining, you become a valuable UOL student and gain instant access to over 2,100 essential case summaries. UOL Case Bank is constantly expanding. Speed up your revision with us now.

Subscribe Now

Where are our students from?

Council of Europe
Crown Prosecution Service
Baker Mckenzie 
Yale University
University of Chicago
Columbia University
New York University
University of Michigan 
INSEAD
University of London
University College London (UCL)
London School of Economics (LSE)
King’s College London (KCL)
Royal Holloway, University of London 
Birkbeck, University of London
SOAS, University of London
University of Manchester
University of Zurich
University of York
Brandeis University
University of Exeter
University of Sheffield
Boston University
University of Washington
University of Leeds
University of Law
University of Kent
University of Hull
Queen’s University Belfast
Toronto Metropolitan University
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
University of Buckingham
ESSEC Business School

  • Criminal Practice

    Diagrams and Charts

    Our carefully designed diagrams and charts will guide you through complex legal issues.

  • Criminal Law

    Clear and Succinct Definitions

    Key concepts are concisely defined to help you understand legal topics quickly.

  • Property Law

    Statutory Provisions

    Statutory provisions are provided side by side with legal concepts to help you swiftly locate the relevant legislation.

  • Public Law

    Case Summaries

    We have summarised important cases for you so that you don't need to read long and boring cases.

  • Evidence

    Rules and Exceptions

    Rules and exceptions are clearly listed so that you know when a rule applies and when it doesn't.

  • Company Law

    Terminology

    Legal terms and key concepts are explained at the beginning of each chapter to help you learn efficiently.

  • Case Law

    Case law is provided side by side with legal concepts so that you know how legal principles and precedents were established.

  • Law Exam Guide

    Law Essay Guide

    You will learn essential law exam skills and essay writing techniques that are not taught in class.

  • Law Exam Guide

    Problem Question Guide

    We will show you how to answer problem questions step by step to achieve first-class results.

  • Conflict of Laws

    Structured Explanations

    Complex legal concepts are broken down into concise and digestible bullet point explanations.

  • Legal System and Method

    Legal Research

    You will learn legal research techniques with our study guide and become a proficient legal researcher.

  • Jurisprudence and Legal Theory

    Exam-focused

    All essential concepts, principles, and case law are included so that you can answer exam questions quickly.