Royal Assent

Definition

Royal assent is the formal approval by the monarch that allows a bill passed by Parliament to become law. This process symbolizes the constitutional relationship between the Crown and Parliament, as it represents the final step in the legislative process after a bill has gone through several readings and debates. While royal assent has not been refused since the early 18th century, it plays a vital role in maintaining the constitutional conventions that govern the powers of the monarch and the operation of the government.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Royal assent is typically granted after a bill has passed both Houses of Parliament, although it is seen as a formality rather than a political act.
2. The last time royal assent was refused was in 1708 when Queen Anne withheld it from the Scottish Militia Bill.
3. Once royal assent is granted, the bill becomes an Act of Parliament and is legally enforceable.
4. The monarch's role in granting royal assent is largely ceremonial, as real political power lies with elected representatives in Parliament.
5. Royal assent can be granted in person by the monarch or given through a representative known as the Lord Commissioner.

Review Questions

• How does royal assent connect to the legislative process and what significance does it hold in relation to bills passed by Parliament?
  • Royal assent is crucial to the legislative process as it represents the final approval needed for a bill to become law. Without royal assent, no bill can take effect, highlighting its importance as a constitutional formality. This connection emphasizes the partnership between Parliament and the monarchy, where elected representatives draft legislation that ultimately requires this formal endorsement to be enacted.
• In what ways does royal assent reflect the constitutional principles and conventions that govern the monarchy's role in contemporary governance?
  • Royal assent embodies key constitutional principles such as democracy and parliamentary sovereignty, illustrating how the monarch's powers are limited by convention. Although royal assent could theoretically be withheld, it has not happened in modern times, reinforcing the convention that a sovereign does not obstruct legislation passed by Parliament. This practice supports the idea that while the monarch retains certain formal powers, these are exercised in accordance with democratic principles and established practices.
• Evaluate the implications of royal assent on the balance of power between the Crown and government in contemporary UK politics.
  • Royal assent highlights a unique dynamic between the Crown and government, showcasing how historical powers have evolved into symbolic roles. While technically granting royal assent remains a prerogative power of the monarch, in practice it serves to reinforce parliamentary democracy rather than undermine it. This situation indicates that although the monarch retains certain constitutional responsibilities, actual governance is firmly placed within elected representatives, allowing for a stable balance between tradition and modern democratic values.

Related terms

Legislation: The process of making or enacting laws by Parliament, which involves several stages including readings, debates, and committee scrutiny.

Monarch: The reigning sovereign, who has ceremonial duties and constitutional responsibilities, including granting royal assent to legislation.

Parliament:

The supreme legislative body in the UK, composed of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, responsible for making laws and scrutinizing government activities.