Made it to Parliment, Now What?
There are 3 parts to parliament, the Queen (our Head of State), represented by the Governor General; the appointed Senate; and the elected House of Commons. Now Nicholas is able to sit in on meetings and vote for the passing of laws in certain areas of jurisdiction, such as criminal law, defence, international trade and broadcasting. Senators and Members of Parliament both study debate and often amend legislative proposals or “bills.” Bills are usually proposed by the government and introduced in the House of Commons. The Senate also initiates legislation, but any bills to collect or spend public funds must originate in the Commons. Both Houses must approve bills in identical form before they can become law. Bills become law when they receive Royal Assent, on a date specified in the bill or on a date set by Order-in-Council. Nicholas can take part in sessions and these sessions could last a few days or several years. It ends when it is prorogued by the Governor General, at the request of the Prime Minister. A Parliament comes to an end when the Prime Minister asks the Governor General to dissolve it and call a general election.