Legislative Council of Hong Kong

The Legislative Council of Hong Kong (LegCo) is the unicameral legislature of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China. Established in 1843, it is one of the oldest legislative bodies in Asia. The Legislative Council is responsible for enacting, amending, or repealing laws, examining and approving budgets, taxation, and public expenditure, and monitoring the work of the government.

History

The Legislative Council was first established in 1843 under the Letters Patent as an advisory body to the Governor of Hong Kong. Initially, it consisted of the Governor, the Colonial Secretary, the Attorney General, and the Colonial Treasurer. Over time, the composition and powers of the Legislative Council evolved, particularly after the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Basic Law of Hong Kong came into effect.

In 1997, following the transfer of sovereignty from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China, the Legislative Council became the legislature of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The Basic Law, which serves as the constitutional document of Hong Kong, outlines the structure and functions of the Legislative Council.

Composition

The Legislative Council is composed of 90 members, who are elected through a mixed system of geographical constituencies and functional constituencies. The geographical constituencies are elected by direct popular vote, while the functional constituencies represent various sectors of society, such as business, labor, and professional groups.

The President of the Legislative Council is elected by and from among the members of the Council. The President presides over meetings, ensures the orderly conduct of business, and represents the Council in its relations with the Chief Executive and other authorities.

Functions

The Legislative Council has several key functions:

• Legislation: The Council enacts, amends, or repeals laws. Bills can be introduced by the government or by individual members, although government bills take precedence.

• Budget Approval: The Council examines and approves the budget presented by the government, which includes taxation and public expenditure.

• Monitoring the Government: The Council monitors the work of the government through questions, debates, and the establishment of committees to investigate specific issues.

• Representation: The Council represents the interests of the public and various sectors of society.

Legislative Process

The legislative process in the Legislative Council involves several stages:

1. First Reading: A bill is introduced and its title is read out. No debate occurs at this stage.

2. Second Reading: The general principles of the bill are debated. If the bill passes this stage, it proceeds to the committee stage.

3. Committee Stage: The bill is examined in detail, and amendments can be made. This stage can occur in a committee of the whole Council or in a select committee.

4. Third Reading: The final version of the bill is debated. If it passes, it is sent to the Chief Executive for assent.

5. Assent and Promulgation: The Chief Executive gives assent to the bill, and it becomes law.

Also see

• Basic Law of Hong Kong
• Chief Executive of Hong Kong
• Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
• Sino-British Joint Declaration
• Geographical constituencies (Hong Kong)
• Functional constituencies (Hong Kong)