In a democratic parliamentary system, legislators, or members of parliament, create Acts that become legislation or laws once they receive the President’s approval. Acts and Legislation are related legal terms with slight differences, which will be discussed in this article.
Acts of parliament, a type of legislation also known as primary legislation, can be introduced by the government or private members in the form of draft legislation called private members bills. Initially called a bill, it only becomes an Act after deliberation and approval by the members of parliament and the President. Once approved, the Act becomes legislation or law applicable to all citizens of the country or specific sections of society.
Key Takeaways
- Acts of parliament, also known as primary legislation, are introduced by the government or private members as draft legislation called private members bills.
- After being debated and amended by parliament and approved by the President, a bill becomes an Act, which then becomes legislation or law.
- The power to create legislation lies with legislators, the power to interpret the legislation lies with the judiciary, and the power to implement legislation resides in the executive or government of the country.
