How a Bill Becomes a Law

How a Bill Becomes a Law

• A bill is a proposed law.
• It goes through several stages, which can vary by jurisdiction.
• A bill is introduced, debated, possibly amended, and then voted on.
• It needs to be passed by both houses of the legislature.
• Finally, it receives royal assent to become law.

Number of Readings

• The number of readings required varies by jurisdiction but typically involves multiple readings for thorough consideration.

Importance of Readings

• Often, the third reading is the most significant as this is usually the final stage of voting on the proposed law.

Committees

• Committees review and examine bills in detail before they are considered by the full legislature.
• They provide an opportunity for in-depth discussion and experts' perspectives.

Amendments

• Amendments are changes or additions to a bill during the legislative process.
• They allow for adjustments based on feedback, new information, or refinements.

Royal Assent

• Royal assent is the formal agreement from the head of state, signifying the bill becomes law.
•  This step confirms the legal validity.

Difference Between Bills and Laws

• A bill is a proposal for a law.
• A law is a bill that has been formally approved and enacted.

Majority Seats

• The number of seats required for a majority government varies by the overall number of seats available in the legislature.
• The party needing more than half of the available seats in the legislature to claim a majority of power.

Majority vs. Minority Government

• A majority government is easier to run because they have greater control over legislative decisions.
• They have greater influence in creating a stronger majority to enact changes.

First-Past-the-Post System (FPTP)

•  FPTP is a voting system where the candidate with the most votes in each electoral district wins.

Canadian Government

• Canada has a parliamentary democracy.
• The Prime Minister leads the government and is responsible for the executive branch.

Pros and Cons of FPTP

• Pros: Simplicity, clarity, and a clear mandate for the winning party.
• Cons: Can lead to disproportionate representation, as a party can win a majority of seats despite not winning the popular vote, and can discourage voter turnout.

Lobby Groups

• Organized groups that seek to influence government policy.
• They can represent diverse interests, including corporations, special interest groups, and social causes.

Media Influence on Politics

• The media plays a significant role in framing political issues and shaping public opinion.
• They report on political events, giving a platform to politicians, and provide news and analysis for the public.

Lobbying

• The act of attempting to influence decisions made by officials in the government.

Social Media Influence

• Social media platforms are becoming critical tools for political communication, organizing, fundraising, and mobilizing support.
• They offer a direct channel to potentially engage with a large and geographically dispersed audience.

Examples of Lobby Groups

• Specific examples of lobby groups are not included, examples in Canada would include groups representing the business, agricultural, environmental, and labour interests, among others.

Media Role in Politics

• Media outlets' reporting on political events can shift public opinion and shape voters' decisions.

Role of Lobby Groups (Canada)

• These roles fluctuate by the specific lobby group and time period.
• Lobby groups aim to influence public policy or legislation. 

Media Influence (General)

• Media influence, in general, is seen as a complex factor affecting perceptions of political matters.