law Definition, Systems, Institutions, & Fields

To pass legislation, a majority of the members of a legislature must vote for a bill in each house. Normally there will be several readings and amendments proposed by the different political factions. If a country has an entrenched constitution, a special majority for changes to the constitution may be required, making changes to the law more difficult. A government usually leads the process, which can be formed from Members of Parliament (e.g. the UK or Germany). However, in a presidential system, the government is usually formed by an executive and his or her appointed cabinet officials (e.g. the United States or Brazil).

  • For an analysis of the role of law in the administration of government, see administrative law.
  • This is a 16th-century painting of such a notary by Flemish painter Quentin Massys.
  • We asked eight members of our faculty about the big ideas that drive their work, how these