Sovereignty
Legislative Process

Below is the proposed Legislative Process within the Sovereignty Model, as set out for the UK context 

First Reading:

The Directly Elected Minister (DEM) responsible for the legislation publishes it for public and parliamentary awareness. This step introduces the bill to the legislative process.

Legislation Clears Special Adjudicator:

The Special Adjudicator reviews whether the legislation falls within the DEM's jurisdiction or if it needs to be co-sponsored with other DEMs. This step ensures the bill aligns with the appropriate legislative authority.

Second Reading: Constituency MP and DEM Scrutiny:

Parliament debate: the legislation is debated in the House of Commons, amongst DEMs and Constituency MPs.   

Sub-Committees: Legislation is referred to specialised sub-committees composed of Constituency MPs, which would conduct detailed reviews, hold hearings, and engage with experts or local stakeholders.

Individual Constituency MP and DEM Contributions: Each Constituency MP and DEM has the right to contribute individual amendments or comments, which must be considered and incorporated by the sub-committee. The sub-committee then compiles a report or set of amendments representing local and departmental perspectives.

Third Reading and DEM/Constituency MP Vote:

The legislation is updated by the sponsoring DEM(s) reflecting the amendments and comments provided by the Sub-Committee. The updated legislation then moves to its first vote. 

Voting Weights: 

• The sponsoring DEM's vote counts for 40% (to reflect a stronger DEM influence in this phase).

• Other DEMs collectively have a 20% vote weight.

• Constituency MPs have a combined 40% voting power in this stage to balance the influence and incorporate local scrutiny.

This vote determines whether the legislation, potentially with amendments from Constituency MPs, moves forward.

House of Lords Scrutiny:

Although the Sovereignty model fundamentally changes the UK's legislative structure, retaining the House of Lords for additional scrutiny remains beneficial. The Lords would review the bill for legal and ethical considerations, proposing further amendments if necessary. 

House of Commons Vote and Direct Vote:

The legislation is updated by the sponsoring DEM(s) reflecting the amendments by the House of Lords. 

Parliament Debate: the legislation is debated in Parliament's House of Commons, amongst DEMs and Constituency MPs in the weeks leading up to the final vote. 

Concurrent Voting: The House of Commons votes on the legislation on the same day as the Direct Vote, taking place every three months (see election calendar). 

Voting Weights Adjusted:

• DEM's vote now counts for 30% 

• Other DEMs collectively at 20%

• Constituency MPs at 25% 

• Direct Vote (public) at 25%

This step ensures both parliamentary and public approval, embodying the principles of the Sovereignty model.

Royal Assent:

If the legislation passes the parliamentary and direct vote, it advances to receive Royal Assent, the formal approval by the Monarch.