Governing Britain
Most new laws passed by Parliament result from proposals put forward by the government.
Who's who? Who does what?
Government priorities
Following the 2010 general election, the Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats agreed on aims for a coalition government.
Influences on the government's agenda
There are many important issues. Those that gain a high profile among politicians, the media and the wider public, however, may rise more quickly to the top of the government's legislative agenda.
General elections
'Big issues of the moment' can emerge during the national debate that involves voters, politicians and the media.
Unexpected events or crises
New legislation can be triggered in response to sudden events.
Parliament passed the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 in response to the 9/11 attacks in America in 2001, for example.
The media
News organisations, broadcasters and political commentators inform and influence public debates. A variety of political opinions get aired in the media.
Where do policies and ideas for bills come from?
The creation of new policies can be a complex business.
Political parties
Governing and opposition parties are expected to have policies on a range of issues, such as taxation, health and education.
Public inquiries, inquests and royal commissions
Public inquiries, often sparked by major events, may recommend changes to the law.
The Royal Commission on Criminal Justice, for example, led to changes in the Criminal Appeal Act 1995, establishing an independent body to consider suspected miscarriages of justice.
Civil servants
New policies may arise from civil service proposals. Government departments are headed by ministers and administered by civil servants. The top civil servant in each department is known as a permanent secretary and works closely with ministers.
Private members
MPs or peers can introduce private members' legislation to Parliament, though few private members' bills actually become law.
Private members' bills enacted in recent times include the Sports Ground Safety Authority Act 2010-11 and the Wreck Removal Convention Act 2010-11.
Campaign, lobby and interest groups
Many bills result from pressure and discussion with interest groups and other bodies.
The work of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), for example, has led to tighter controls on animal welfare.
Business organisations such as the CBI, civil society groups such as Oxfam, and UK charities such as the Salvation Army, may all aim to influence government legislation on particular issues.
Going from proposal to bill
Even where a government minister agrees a change is necessary, it's no guarantee the proposal will be brought before Parliament.
Consulting with the public and interested groups
The government consults the public on many more proposals than it can take forward.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport, for example, publish details of their public consultations online.
Debates within government
A minister must persuade cabinet colleagues that his or her proposal is needed. The minister's plan goes to the relevant cabinet committee, chaired by the prime minister or a senior cabinet minister.
Who decides which proposals will go before Parliament?
It's then up to the cabinet's Parliamentary Business and Legislation Committee to decide which bills the government should take forward and present to Parliament.
Drafting bills for parliamentary scrutiny
Approved bills are prepared for introduction to Parliament by highly specialised lawyers. With instructions from the relevant government ministers, Parliamentary Counsel translate the government's principles into detailed legislation.
Parliamentary scrutiny
The work of members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords includes scrutinising legislation.
The Queen's Speech
The government's legislative plans for the upcoming session of Parliament are announced at the State Opening.
Government bills currently before Parliament
Most of the bills currently being considered by the Houses of Parliament have been proposed by the government.
Private members' bills currently before Parliament
Bills introduced by backbench members of Parliament go through the same stages as government bills.
Debating in the Lords and Commons chambers
Every debate or proceeding related to a bill - at every parliamentary stage - is recorded in Parliament's official record, known as Hansard.
MPs and peers examine the issues around legislation and other matters with the support of parliamentary staff.
Parliament's legislative powers
The UK Parliament legislates for the whole of the UK on many policy areas. However, since 1997, Westminster has delegated some of its lawmaking powers to the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh and Northern Ireland Assemblies.
Royal Assent
One of the Queen's roles in Parliament is to give formal approval to bills passed by both Houses. The monarch's assent makes a bill into a law.
Acts of Parliament
Once a bill is approved by the monarch it becomes law, and is described as an Act of Parliament.
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