Royal assent definitions
| Word backwards | layor tnessa |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Noun |
| Syllabic division | roy-al as-sent |
| Plural | The plural of "royal assent" is "royal assents." |
| Total letters | 11 |
| Vogais (3) | o,a,e |
| Consonants (6) | r,y,l,s,n,t |
When a bill has passed both houses of Parliament in the United Kingdom, it must receive royal assent from the monarch before it can become law. This process is largely ceremonial, as royal assent has not been refused since the early 18th century.
What is Royal Assent?
Royal assent is the formal approval by the sovereign of a bill that has been passed by the Parliament. This is required for the bill to become law. Though it is a necessary constitutional step, royal assent is almost always granted as a matter of course.
How Does Royal Assent Work?
Once a bill has been passed by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, it is sent to the monarch for royal assent. The monarch's approval is communicated through an official at a ceremony called "Royal Assent". However, modern practice dictates that this assent is granted automatically.
Significance of Royal Assent
While the sovereign theoretically has the power to refuse royal assent, this power has not been exercised since the early 18th century. Royal assent is now considered a formality, with the monarch expected to grant assent to any bill that has passed both houses of Parliament.
Parliament holds the ultimate legislative power in the UK, with royal assent serving as a symbolic validation of its decisions. This process highlights the constitutional monarchy in the UK, where the monarch's role is largely ceremonial and symbolic.
In summary, royal assent is a necessary step in the legislative process in the UK, with the monarch's approval required for a bill to become law. While historically significant, royal assent is now a formality, showing the ceremonial nature of the monarchy in modern times.
Royal assent Examples
- The bill received royal assent from the monarch, officially making it a law.
- The Prime Minister eagerly awaited royal assent on the proposed legislation.
- The Members of Parliament celebrated as the bill finally received royal assent.
- After much debate, the Queen granted royal assent to the controversial law.
- The Governor General's role includes giving royal assent to bills passed by Parliament.
- The process of royal assent is an important step in the legislative process.
- The Constitution requires royal assent for a bill to become law.
- The ceremony for royal assent is steeped in tradition and protocol.
- The Queen has the power to withhold royal assent in certain circumstances.
- Without royal assent, a bill cannot be enacted into law.