3.3 The function of each House

You are now aware that the role of each chamber (House) is to debate the proposed legislation as it goes through various stages. At this juncture you only need to be aware of the framework of the Westminster Parliament, how legislation is initiated and who will consider the proposed legislation. You also need to be aware that there is a given rule, referred to as a convention, that parliament cannot bind its successors. This means that a new political party that comes to power will be allowed to revoke and change the laws enacted by the last government in power. This convention ensures that a new government’s legislative powers are not limited. It is legislation that is the dominant law-making method in contemporary times. This is why, as a student of law, it is important to have a strong understanding of the legislative process.