Northern Ireland CCEA AS Politics Practice Test

The authority to create or end any law in the UK rests with Parliament. This reflects the fundamental principle of parliamentary sovereignty, which means that Parliament is the supreme legal authority and can create, amend, or repeal any law. The UK Parliament consists of two houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords, both of which play a role in the legislative process.

In the legislative process, proposals for new laws, known as bills, must be debated and approved by both houses before receiving Royal Assent from the monarch, after which they become law. The structure of Parliament allows for a thorough examination and discussion of proposed legislation, ensuring that various perspectives are considered before a law is enacted or repealed.

Local assemblies, such as the Northern Ireland Assembly, operate within their devolved powers and have the authority to create legislation on certain matters; however, they cannot create or end any law that falls outside of those devolved areas of competence. The judiciary interprets and applies the law but does not have the authority to create or end laws—that responsibility lies solely with Parliament. The Prime Minister can influence the legislative agenda and may suggest laws, but ultimately, it is Parliament that has the final say on any legislative matter.