Before a proposed law, known as a bill, can be sent from the House of Representatives to the Senate, it must successfully navigate a series of internal procedural stages. Which of the following correctly identifies the order of these stages as they occur in the House of Representatives?
- The bill is introduced (First reading), debated in principle (Second reading), examined for specific amendments (Consideration in detail), and then given a final vote (Third reading).Answer
- BThe bill is drafted by the Cabinet, signed by the Prime Minister, submitted for a national referendum, and finally approved by the House of Representatives.
- CThe bill is introduced (First reading), reviewed by the High Court for constitutional validity, debated (Second reading), and then officially proclaimed by the Governor-General.
Answer
The bill must go through the First reading (introduction), Second reading (debate on principles), Consideration in detail (amendments), and Third reading (final vote).
In the House of Representatives, a bill follows a structured sequence: it is first introduced (First reading), then the general principles are debated (Second reading), followed by a detailed clause-by-clause examination where amendments can be made (Consideration in detail), and finally, a concluding vote is held (Third reading). Only after this sequence is completed can the bill be sent to the Senate.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Internal Parliamentary Stages of a Bill
Estimated Time:3m 0s