WAEC Government 2016 Theory — Question 2

Model answer

Processes by which a bill becomes law: First Reading: This is the stage at which the bill is first read on the floor of the parliament. No debate is taken at the first reading. Second Reading: This is the stage at which members of the parliament argue/debate in favour or against the bill. A bill may be rejected at the second reading. Committee Stage: If the bill passes through the second reading, it will be given to a relevant committee of the house for further legislative actions. The committee may conduct a public hearing to discuss the provisions of the bill after which it will report its findings to the house. Report Stage: This is where the committee reports to the house on the reports it got from stakeholders during the public hearing on the bill. Third Reading: This is the last reading of the bill at the house after which members of the parliament will vote either to pass the bill or not. Assent: The bill goes to the president or Governor for assent so that the bill can become law. In case of veto: if the president or Governor refused to sign the bill, the bill can be passed into law by two-third majority of the whole house.