Whenever a controversial Bill is introduced, it’s easy to hear claims that one political party has “decided” how everyone must live.

That’s not how our democracy works.

The Executive, a minister, a political party—or an individual MLA—can propose legislation. But only the Northern Ireland Assembly can make it law.

Every Bill must pass through debate, committee scrutiny, amendment and votes by elected MLAs before it can receive Royal Assent and become an Act.

Whether you support or oppose a particular Bill, understanding how legislation is made is essential to informed public debate.

Good democracy depends on more than strong opinions. It depends on understanding the institutions that govern us.

This is the first in an occasional Legislation 101 series explaining how the Northern Ireland Assembly works.