List of enacting formulae
Encyclopedia
An enacting clause, or enacting formula, is a short phrase that introduces the main provisions of a law
enacted
by a legislature
. It usually declares the source from which the law claims to derive its authority. In many countries, an enacting formula is not considered necessary and is simply omitted.
The simplest enacting clauses merely cite the legislature by which the law has been adopted; for example the enacting clause used in Australia
since 1990 is "The Parliament of Australia enacts". Alternatively an enacting clause may invoke the ultimate sovereign. For example, California, based on the principle of popular sovereignty
, has the following enacting clause: "The People of the State of California do enact as follows."
:
:
:
For constitutional amendments passed at a referendum
:
Before October 1990:
1901–?:
:
1969:
:
:
When the president vetoes a bill, and the veto is overridden, the Bill is returned by Congress to the President not for approval, but merely for promulgation. In that case, the president is expected to promulgate the bill in 48 hours. In that situation, the formula is as follows:
Implicit approval is deemed to take place if the president fails to sign or veto a bill within the constitutionally mandated timeframe of fifteen working days from receiving the bill. Once the bill is considered implicitlly approved, the president is expected to promulgate the new law and the same 48 hour timeframe applies. The formula in this case is:
Should the president refuse to promulgate, or fail to promulgate in the period of 48 hours, a bill, after his veto has been overriden by Congress, then the authority to promulgate the bill passes to the President of the Senate. In that case, the formula of promulgation is:
Should the president of the Republic refuse to promulgate, or fail to promulgate in the period of 48 hours, a bill, after the bill has been implicitly approved due to his failiure to sign or veto it within the constitutionally mandated timeframe, then the authority to promulgate the bill passes to the President of the Senate. In that case, the formula of promulgation is:
Whenever the president adopts a provisional measure and the provisional measure is approved by Congress with changes, a normal bill is sent to the president for approval or veto, and the same formulas used for other bills are employed; once enacted, the new statute replaces the provisional measure. However, if the provisional measure adopted by the president is approved by Congress without changes, the bill does not need to be presented for approval or veto; in that case, the law that both corresponds fully to the provisional measure and replaces it is promulgated directly by the President of the Senate, with the following words:
:
:
Before 1917 (examples):
:
:
For acts which do not need the consent of the Bundesrat
:
For acts which need the consent of the Bundesrat:
:
:
Standard:
For an act with a preamble:
:
:
:
:
:
:
1986-1999:
Before 1986:
:
:
:
1965-1989:
1948-1965:
1881-1947:
:
Since 27 April 1994:
or
The Constitution of South Africa
, not being a conventional Act of Parliament, does not contain an enacting formula per se. Its preamble does, however, contain the words In the context, "we" refers to the people of South Africa.
3 September 1984 to 27 April 1994:
1 January 1981 to 3 September 1984:
31 May 1961 to 1 January 1981:
31 May 1910 to 31 May 1961:
:
For Constitutions:
For organic acts:
:
:
:
:
:
Constitution:
Act:
Royal Degree & Emergency Decree:
Royal Command:
:
Bills:
Joint Resolutions (have the same effect as bills):
:
Territorial
Law
Law is a system of rules and guidelines which are enforced through social institutions to govern behavior, wherever possible. It shapes politics, economics and society in numerous ways and serves as a social mediator of relations between people. Contract law regulates everything from buying a bus...
enacted
Coming into force
Coming into force or entry into force refers to the process by which legislation, regulations, treaties and other legal instruments come to have legal force and effect...
by a legislature
Legislature
A legislature is a kind of deliberative assembly with the power to pass, amend, and repeal laws. The law created by a legislature is called legislation or statutory law. In addition to enacting laws, legislatures usually have exclusive authority to raise or lower taxes and adopt the budget and...
. It usually declares the source from which the law claims to derive its authority. In many countries, an enacting formula is not considered necessary and is simply omitted.
The simplest enacting clauses merely cite the legislature by which the law has been adopted; for example the enacting clause used in Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
since 1990 is "The Parliament of Australia enacts". Alternatively an enacting clause may invoke the ultimate sovereign. For example, California, based on the principle of popular sovereignty
Popular sovereignty
Popular sovereignty or the sovereignty of the people is the political principle that the legitimacy of the state is created and sustained by the will or consent of its people, who are the source of all political power. It is closely associated with Republicanism and the social contract...
, has the following enacting clause: "The People of the State of California do enact as follows."
Antigua and Barbuda
Parliament of Antigua and BarbudaParliament of Antigua and Barbuda
The Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda consists of:*HM Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Antigua and Barbuda*The Senate *The House of Representatives -External links:**...
:
Argentina
Congress of ArgentinaArgentine National Congress
The Congress of the Argentine Nation is the legislative branch of the government of Argentina. Its composition is bicameral, constituted by a 72-seat Senate and a 257-seat Chamber of Deputies....
:
Australia
Parliament of AustraliaParliament of Australia
The Parliament of Australia, also known as the Commonwealth Parliament or Federal Parliament, is the legislative branch of the government of Australia. It is bicameral, largely modelled in the Westminster tradition, but with some influences from the United States Congress...
:
For constitutional amendments passed at a referendum
Referendums in Australia
In Australia, referendums are binding polls usually used to alter the Constitution of the Commonwealth or a state or territory. Non-binding polls are usually referred to as plebiscites.-Federal referendums:...
:
Before October 1990:
1901–?:
Barbados
Parliament of BarbadosParliament of Barbados
The Parliament of Barbados is the national legislature of Barbados. It is accorded legislative supremacy by Chapter V of the Constitution of Barbados. The Parliament is bicameral in composition and is formally made up of: HM Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Barbados The Parliament of Barbados is the...
:
1969:
Bahamas
Parliament of the BahamasParliament of the Bahamas
The Parliament of The Bahamas is the bicameral national parliament of Commonwealth of The Bahamas. The parliament is formally made up by the Queen , an appointed Senate, and an elected House of Assembly...
:
Belize
Parliament of Belize:Brazil
National Congress of BrazilNational Congress of Brazil
The National Congress of Brazil is the legislative body of Brazil's federal government.Unlike regional legislative bodies – Legislative Assemblies and City Councils -, the Congress is bicameral, composed of the Federal Senate and the Chamber of Deputies .The Senate represents the 26 states and...
:
When the president vetoes a bill, and the veto is overridden, the Bill is returned by Congress to the President not for approval, but merely for promulgation. In that case, the president is expected to promulgate the bill in 48 hours. In that situation, the formula is as follows:
Implicit approval is deemed to take place if the president fails to sign or veto a bill within the constitutionally mandated timeframe of fifteen working days from receiving the bill. Once the bill is considered implicitlly approved, the president is expected to promulgate the new law and the same 48 hour timeframe applies. The formula in this case is:
Should the president refuse to promulgate, or fail to promulgate in the period of 48 hours, a bill, after his veto has been overriden by Congress, then the authority to promulgate the bill passes to the President of the Senate. In that case, the formula of promulgation is:
Should the president of the Republic refuse to promulgate, or fail to promulgate in the period of 48 hours, a bill, after the bill has been implicitly approved due to his failiure to sign or veto it within the constitutionally mandated timeframe, then the authority to promulgate the bill passes to the President of the Senate. In that case, the formula of promulgation is:
Whenever the president adopts a provisional measure and the provisional measure is approved by Congress with changes, a normal bill is sent to the president for approval or veto, and the same formulas used for other bills are employed; once enacted, the new statute replaces the provisional measure. However, if the provisional measure adopted by the president is approved by Congress without changes, the bill does not need to be presented for approval or veto; in that case, the law that both corresponds fully to the provisional measure and replaces it is promulgated directly by the President of the Senate, with the following words:
Canada
Parliament of CanadaParliament of Canada
The Parliament of Canada is the federal legislative branch of Canada, seated at Parliament Hill in the national capital, Ottawa. Formally, the body consists of the Canadian monarch—represented by her governor general—the Senate, and the House of Commons, each element having its own officers and...
:
Finland
Parliament of FinlandParliament of Finland
The Eduskunta , is the parliament of Finland. The unicameral parliament has 200 members and meets in the Parliament House in Helsinki. The latest election to the parliament took place on April 17, 2011.- Constitution :...
:
Before 1917 (examples):
France
Parliament of FranceParliament of France
The French Parliament is the bicameral legislature of the French Republic, consisting of the Senate and the National Assembly . Each assembly conducts legislative sessions at a separate location in Paris: the Palais du Luxembourg for the Senate, the Palais Bourbon for the National Assembly.Each...
:
Germany
Bundestag of GermanyBundestag
The Bundestag is a federal legislative body in Germany. In practice Germany is governed by a bicameral legislature, of which the Bundestag serves as the lower house and the Bundesrat the upper house. The Bundestag is established by the German Basic Law of 1949, as the successor to the earlier...
:
For acts which do not need the consent of the Bundesrat
Bundesrat of Germany
The German Bundesrat is a legislative body that represents the sixteen Länder of Germany at the federal level...
:
For acts which need the consent of the Bundesrat:
Grenada
Parliament of GrenadaParliament of Grenada
The Parliament of Grenada is composed of the Monarch and two chambers:*The House of Representatives has 15 members, elected for a five year term in single-seat constituencies.*The Senate has 13 appointed members....
:
India
Parliament of IndiaParliament of India
The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body in India. Founded in 1919, the Parliament alone possesses legislative supremacy and thereby ultimate power over all political bodies in India. The Parliament of India comprises the President and the two Houses, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha...
:
Ireland
- Oireachtas ÉireannOireachtasThe Oireachtas , sometimes referred to as Oireachtas Éireann, is the "national parliament" or legislature of Ireland. The Oireachtas consists of:*The President of Ireland*The two Houses of the Oireachtas :**Dáil Éireann...
(Parliament of IrelandRepublic of IrelandIreland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
)
Standard:
- Since 1937:
"Be it enacted by the Oireachtas as follows:—"
"Achtaitear ag an Oireachtas mar a leanas:—" (Irish)
- 1922-1937:
For an act with a preamble:
- Since 1937:
- 1922-1937:
Jamaica
Parliament of JamaicaParliament of Jamaica
The Parliament of Jamaica is the legislative branch of the government of Jamaica. It is a bicameral body, composed of an appointed Senate and an elected House of Representatives....
:
Malaysia
Parliament of MalaysiaParliament of Malaysia
The Parliament of Malaysia is the national legislature of Malaysia, based on the Westminster system. The bicameral parliament consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The King as the Head of State is the third component of Parliament....
:
Malta
Parliament of MaltaParliament of Malta
The Parliament of the Republic of Malta is the constitutional legislative body in Malta, located in Valletta...
:
Mexico
Congress of MexicoCongress of Mexico
The Congress of the Union is the legislative branch of the Mexican government...
:
Moldova
Parliament of the Republic of MoldovaParliament of the Republic of Moldova
The Parliament of the Republic of Moldova is a unicameral assembly with 101 seats. Its members are elected by popular vote every 4 years. The parliament then elects a president, who functions as the head of state...
:
Netherlands
Estates-General of the Netherlands:New Zealand
Parliament of New ZealandParliament of New Zealand
The Parliament of New Zealand consists of the Queen of New Zealand and the New Zealand House of Representatives and, until 1951, the New Zealand Legislative Council. The House of Representatives is often referred to as "Parliament".The House of Representatives usually consists of 120 Members of...
:
1986-1999:
Before 1986:
Nigeria
Nigerian National AssemblyNigerian National Assembly
The National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a bicameral legislature established under section 4 of the Nigerian Constitution. It consists of a Senate and a 360-member House of Representatives...
:
Philippines
Congress of the PhilippinesCongress of the Philippines
The Congress of the Philippines is the national legislature of the Republic of the Philippines. It is a bicameral body consisting of the Senate , and the House of Representatives although commonly in the Philippines the term congress refers to the latter.The Senate is composed of 24 senators half...
Peru
Congress of PeruCongress of Peru
The Congress of the Republic of Peru or the National Congress of Peru is the unicameral body that assumes legislative power in Peru.Congress consists of 130 members of congress , who are elected for five year periods in office on a proportional representation basis...
:
Romania
Parliament of RomaniaParliament of Romania
The Parliament of Romania is made up of two chambers:*The Chamber of Deputies*The SenatePrior to the modifications of the Constitution in 2003, the two houses had identical attributes. A text of a law had to be approved by both houses...
:
1965-1989:
1948-1965:
1881-1947:
South Africa
Parliament of South AfricaParliament of South Africa
The Parliament of South Africa is South Africa's legislature and under the country's current Constitution is composed of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces....
:
Since 27 April 1994:
or
The Constitution of South Africa
Constitution of South Africa
The Constitution of South Africa is the supreme law of the country of South Africa. It provides the legal foundation for the existence of the republic, sets out the rights and duties of its citizens, and defines the structure of the government. The current constitution, the country's fifth, was...
, not being a conventional Act of Parliament, does not contain an enacting formula per se. Its preamble does, however, contain the words In the context, "we" refers to the people of South Africa.
3 September 1984 to 27 April 1994:
- For "general affairs" acts:
- For "own affairs" acts:
1 January 1981 to 3 September 1984:
31 May 1961 to 1 January 1981:
- For acts amending the entrenched clauses of the Constitution of 1961South African Constitution of 1961The Constitution of 1961 was the fundamental law of South Africa for two decades. Under the terms of the constitution South Africa left the Commonwealth and became a republic...
:
31 May 1910 to 31 May 1961:
- For acts amending the entrenched clauses of the South Africa Act 1909South Africa Act 1909The South Africa Act 1909 was an Act of the British Parliament which created the Union of South Africa from the British Colonies of the Cape of Good Hope, Natal, Orange River Colony, and the Transvaal Colony. The Act also made provisions for admitting Rhodesia as a fifth province of the Union in...
:
Spain
Cortes Generales of SpainCortes Generales
The Cortes Generales is the legislature of Spain. It is a bicameral parliament, composed of the Congress of Deputies and the Senate . The Cortes has power to enact any law and to amend the constitution...
:
For Constitutions:
For organic acts:
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Parliament of Saint Kitts and NevisNational Assembly of Saint Kitts and Nevis
The National Assembly is the parliament of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The Assembly has 14 or 15 members , 11 of whom are elected for a five year term in single-seat constituencies and are known as Representatives. The remaining four are called Senators; three are appointed by the governor-general and...
:
Saint Lucia
Parliament of Saint LuciaParliament of Saint Lucia
The Parliament of Saint Lucia has two chambers.*the House of Assembly has 17 members, elected for a five year term in single-seat constituencies.*the Senate has 11 appointed members....
:
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Parliament of Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesHouse of Assembly of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
The House of Assembly of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a unicameral legislature that serves as the legislative body for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines....
:
Solomon Islands
National Parliament of the Solomon IslandsNational Parliament of the Solomon Islands
The National Parliament of Solomon Islands has 50 members, elected for a four year term in 50 single-seat constituencies.It is presided by a Speaker - currently Sir Allan Kemakeza.-Latest elections:-Members:...
:
Switzerland
Swiss Federal Assembly:Thailand
National Assembly of ThailandNational Assembly of Thailand
The National Assembly of Thailand or the Parliament of Thailand is the legislative branch of the government of Thailand. The National Assembly of Thailand is a bicameral body, consisting of two chambers: the upper house, , and the lower house,...
:
Constitution:
Act:
Royal Degree & Emergency Decree:
Royal Command:
United Kingdom
Parliament of the United KingdomParliament of the United Kingdom
The Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the supreme legislative body in the United Kingdom, British Crown dependencies and British overseas territories, located in London...
:
- For money billMoney billIn the Westminster system , a money bill or supply bill is a bill that solely concerns taxation or government spending , as opposed to changes in public law.- Conventions :...
s:
- Under the Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949The Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949 are two Acts of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, which form part of the constitution of the United Kingdom. Section 2 of the Parliament Act 1949 provides that that Act and the Parliament Act 1911 are to be construed as one.The Parliament Act 1911 The...
:
United States
Congress of the United StatesBills:
Joint Resolutions (have the same effect as bills):
Venezuela
National Assembly of VenezuelaNational Assembly of Venezuela
The National Assembly is the legislative branch of the Venezuelan government. It is a unicameral body made up of a variable number of members, who are elected by "universal, direct, personal, and secret" vote partly by direct election in state-based voting districts, and partly on a state-based...
:
Zimbabwe
Former legislatures
- Congress of the Confederate StatesCongress of the Confederate StatesThe Congress of the Confederate States was the legislative body of the Confederate States of America, existing during the American Civil War between 1861 and 1865...
:
- Acts of the Governor General of IndiaBritish RajBritish Raj was the British rule in the Indian subcontinent between 1858 and 1947; The term can also refer to the period of dominion...
in Council:
Australia
- Australian Capital Territory Legislative AssemblyAustralian Capital Territory Legislative AssemblyThe Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly is the unicameral legislature of the Australian Capital Territory...
: "The Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory enacts as follows:" - Parliament of New South WalesParliament of New South WalesThe Parliament of New South Wales, located in Parliament House on Macquarie Street, Sydney, is the main legislative body in the Australian state of New South Wales . It is a bicameral parliament elected by the people of the state in general elections. The parliament shares law making powers with...
: "The Legislature of New South Wales enacts:" - Queensland Legislative AssemblyQueensland Legislative AssemblyThe Queensland Legislative Assembly is the unicameral chamber of the Parliament of Queensland. Elections are held approximately once every three years. Voting is by the Optional Preferential Voting form of the Alternative Vote system...
: "The Parliament of Queensland enacts–"- Before 1993: "BE IT ENACTED by the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland in Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows."
- Parliament of South AustraliaParliament of South AustraliaThe Parliament of South Australia is the bicameral legislature of the Australian state of South Australia. It consists of the Legislative Council and the House of Assembly. It follows a Westminster system of parliamentary government....
: "The Parliament of South Australia enacts as follows:" - Parliament of TasmaniaParliament of TasmaniaThe Parliament of Tasmania consists of the Tasmanian Legislative Council, Tasmanian House of Assembly and the Monarch represented by the Governor of Tasmania....
: "Be it enacted by His Excellency the Governor of Tasmania, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Council and House of Assembly, in Parliament assembled, as follows:" - Parliament of VictoriaParliament of VictoriaThe Parliament of Victoria is the bicameral legislature of the Australian state of Victoria. It follows a Westminster-derived parliamentary system and consists of The Queen, represented by the Governor of Victoria; the Legislative Council ; and the Legislative Assembly...
: "The Parliament of Victoria enacts as follows:" - Parliament of Western AustraliaParliament of Western AustraliaThe Parliament of Western Australia consists of the Legislative Council and the Legislative Assembly . The Parliament sits at Parliament House in Harvest Terrace, Perth....
: "The Parliament of Western Australia enacts as follows:"
Canada
- Legislative Assembly of AlbertaLegislative Assembly of AlbertaThe Legislative Assembly of Alberta is one of two components of the Legislature of Alberta, the other being the Queen, represented by the Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta. The Alberta legislature meets in the Alberta Legislature Building in the provincial capital, Edmonton...
: "HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, enacts as follows:" - Legislative Assembly of British ColumbiaLegislative Assembly of British ColumbiaThe Legislative Assembly of British Columbia is one of two components of the Parliament of British Columbia, the provincial parliament ....
: "HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia, enacts as follows:" - Legislative Assembly of ManitobaLegislative Assembly of ManitobaThe Legislative Assembly of Manitoba and the lieutenant governor form the Legislature of Manitoba, the legislature of the Canadian province of Manitoba. Fifty-seven members are elected to this assembly in provincial general elections, all in single-member constituencies with first-past-the-post...
: "HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, enacts as follows:" - Legislative Assembly of New BrunswickLegislative Assembly of New BrunswickThe Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick is located in Fredericton. It was established de jure when the colony was created in 1784, but only came in to session in 1786 following the first elections in late 1785. Until 1891, it was the lower house in a bicameral legislature when its upper house...
: "Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick, enacts as follows:" - Newfoundland and Labrador House of AssemblyNewfoundland and Labrador House of AssemblyThe Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly is one of two components of the General Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador, the other being the Lieutenant-Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Newfoundland and Labrador General Assembly meets in the Confederation Building at St...
: "Be it enacted by the Lieutenant-Governor and House of Assembly in Legislative Session convened, as follows:" - Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories: "The Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly, enacts as follows:"
- Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia: "Be it enacted by the Governor and Assembly as follows:"
- Legislative Assembly of NunavutLegislative Assembly of NunavutThe Legislative Assembly of Nunavut, Canada, is located in Iqaluit, and is the territory's parliament.The Legislative Assembly of Nunavut was opened by Queen Elizabeth II, as Queen of Canada, on 7 October 2002, during her Golden Jubilee tour of Canada...
: "The Commissioner of Nunavut, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly, enacts as follows:" - Legislative Assembly of OntarioLegislative Assembly of OntarioThe Legislative Assembly of Ontario , is the legislature of the Canadian province of Ontario, and is the second largest provincial legislature of Canada...
: "Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:" - Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward IslandLegislative Assembly of Prince Edward IslandThe Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island, along with the Lieutenant-Governor, forms the parliament of the province. The General Assembly meets at Province House, which is located at the intersection of Richmond and Great George Streets in Charlottetown....
: "BE IT ENACTED by the Lieutenant Governor and the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Prince Edward Island as follows:" - National Assembly of QuebecNational Assembly of QuebecThe National Assembly of Quebec is the legislative body of the Province of Quebec. The Lieutenant Governor and the National Assembly compose the Parliament of Quebec, which operates in a fashion similar to those of other British-style parliamentary systems.The National Assembly was formerly the...
: "The Parliament of Québec enacts as follows:" - Legislative Assembly of SaskatchewanLegislative Assembly of SaskatchewanThe 25th Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan was in power from 2003 until November 20, 2007. It was controlled by the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party under premier Lorne Calvert.-Members:-By-elections:...
: "HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, enacts as follows:" - Yukon Legislative AssemblyYukon Legislative Assembly-History:From 1900 to 1978, the elected legislative body in the Yukon was the Yukon Territorial Council, a ten-member body which did not act as the primary government, but was a non-partisan advisory body to the Commissioner of the Yukon...
: "The Commissioner of Yukon, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly, enacts as follows:"
Hong Kong, China
- Legislative Council of Hong KongLegislative Council of Hong KongThe Legislative Council is the unicameral legislature of Hong Kong.-History:The Legislative Council of Hong Kong was set up in 1843 as a colonial legislature under British rule...
- 1843-1887: "BE IT ENACTED by the Governor of Hongkong, with the advice of the Legislative Council thereof, as follows:-"
- 1888-1997: "BE IT ENACTED by the Governor of Hongkong, with the advice and consent of the Legislative Council thereof, as follows:-"(）
- 1997-1998: "Enacted by the Provisional Legislative CouncilProvisional Legislative CouncilThe Provisional Legislative Council or the PLC was the interim legislature of Hong Kong from 1997 to 1998. The legislature was founded in Guangzhou and sat in Shenzhen from 1996 until the handover in 1997 and moved to Hong Kong to serves as the temporary replacement of Legislative Council of Hong...
." (） - After 1998: "Enacted by the Legislative Council." (）
Provincial councils (abolished in 1876)
- Canterbury Provincial CouncilCanterbury ProvinceThe Canterbury Province was a province of New Zealand from 1853 until the abolition of provincial government in 1876. On the east coast the province was bounded by the Hurunui River in the north and the Waitaki River in the south...
: "Be it enacted by the Superintendent of the Province of Canterbury, by and with the advice and consent of the Provincial Council thereof, as follows:—"
South Africa
- Gauteng Provincial Legislature: "BE IT ENACTED by the Provincial Legislature of the Gauteng Province, as follows:—"
- Western Cape Provincial ParliamentWestern Cape Provincial ParliamentThe Western Cape Provincial Parliament is the legislature of the Western Cape province of South Africa. It is located in the Provincial Government Building at 7 Wale Street, Cape Town....
: "BE IT ENACTED by the Provincial Parliament of the Province of the Western Cape, as follows:—"
Devolved institutions
- Northern Ireland AssemblyNorthern Ireland AssemblyThe Northern Ireland Assembly is the devolved legislature of Northern Ireland. It has power to legislate in a wide range of areas that are not explicitly reserved to the Parliament of the United Kingdom, and to appoint the Northern Ireland Executive...
: "BE IT ENACTED by being passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly and assented to by Her [His] Majesty as follows:" - Scottish ParliamentScottish ParliamentThe Scottish Parliament is the devolved national, unicameral legislature of Scotland, located in the Holyrood area of the capital, Edinburgh. The Parliament, informally referred to as "Holyrood", is a democratically elected body comprising 129 members known as Members of the Scottish Parliament...
: Acts of the Scottish Parliament do not begin with a conventional enacting clause. Instead they begin with a phrase that reads: "The Bill for this Act of the Scottish Parliament was passed by the Parliament on [Date] and received Royal Assent on [Date]" - National Assembly for WalesNational Assembly for WalesThe National Assembly for Wales is a devolved assembly with power to make legislation in Wales. The Assembly comprises 60 members, who are known as Assembly Members, or AMs...
:
- Measures in the English Language: "This Measure, passed by the National Assembly for Wales on [Date] and approved by Her Majesty in Council on [Date], enacts the following provisions:—"
- Measures in the Welsh Language: "Mae'r Mesur hwn, a basiwyd gan Gynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru ar [Dyddiad] ac a gymeradwywyd gan Ei Mawrhydi yn Ei Chyngor ar [Dyddiad], yn deddfu'r darpariaethau a ganlyn:—"
Former legislatures
- Parliament of Northern IrelandParliament of Northern IrelandThe Parliament of Northern Ireland was the home rule legislature of Northern Ireland, created under the Government of Ireland Act 1920, which sat from 7 June 1921 to 30 March 1972, when it was suspended...
(1921–1972): "BE it enacted by the Queen's [King's] most Excellent Majesty, and the Senate and the House of Commons of Northern Ireland in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:-"
Crown dependencies
- Tynwald of the Isle of ManTynwaldThe Tynwald , or more formally, the High Court of Tynwald is the legislature of the Isle of Man. It is claimed to be the oldest continuous parliamentary body in the world, consisting of the directly elected House of Keys and the indirectly chosen Legislative Council.The Houses sit jointly, for...
: "WE, your Majesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Council and Keys of the said Isle, do humbly beseech your Majesty that it may be enacted, and be it enacted, by the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Council and Keys in Tynwald assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows (that is to say):—" - States of JerseyStates of JerseyThe States of Jersey is the parliament and government of Jersey.The Assembly of the States of Jersey has exercised legislative powers since 1771, when law-making power was transferred from the Royal Court of Jersey....
: "THE STATES, subject to the sanction of Her Most Excellent Majesty in Council, have adopted the following Law-" - States of GuernseyStates of GuernseyThe States of Guernsey is the parliament of the island of Guernsey. Some laws and ordinances approved by the States of Guernsey also apply to Alderney and Sark as "Bailiwick-wide legislation" with the consent of the governments of those islands...
: "THE STATES, in pursuance of their Resolution of DATE, have approved the following provisions which, subject to the Sanction of Her Most Excellent Majesty in Council, shall have force of law in the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
Overseas territories
- Parliament of BermudaParliament of BermudaParliament has two chambers. Originally, there was only one, the House of Assembly, which held its first session in 1620, making Bermuda's Parliament amongst the World's oldest legislatures. An appointed Privy Council originally performed roles similar to that of an upper house, and of a cabinet...
: "Be it enacted by The Queen's Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and the House of Assembly of Bermuda, and by the authority of the same, as follows:-" - House of Assembly of the British Virgin Islands: "ENACTED by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands as follows:-"
- Gibraltar Parliament: "ENACTED by the Legislature of Gibraltar:-"
- Administrator of the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia: "BE it enacted by the Administrator of the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia as follows:-"
- Legislative Assembly of Montserrat: "Be it enacted by The Queen's Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Montserrat, and by the authority of the same as follows:–".
United States
- Alabama LegislatureAlabama LegislatureThe Alabama Legislature is the legislative branch of the state government of Alabama. It is a bicameral body composed of the Alabama House of Representatives, with 105 members, and the Alabama Senate, with 35 members...
: "Be it enacted by the Legislature of Alabama" - Alaska LegislatureAlaska LegislatureThe Alaska Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Alaska. It is a bicameral institution, consisting of the lower Alaska House of Representatives, with 40 members, and the upper house Alaska Senate, with 20 members...
: "Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Alaska" - Arizona State LegislatureArizona LegislatureThe Arizona Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Arizona. It is a bicameral legislature that consists of a lower house, the House of Representatives, and an upper house, the Senate. There are 60 Representatives and 30 Senators...
: "Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona," - Arkansas General AssemblyArkansas General AssemblyThe Arkansas General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Arkansas. The legislature is a bicameral body composed of the upper house Arkansas Senate with 35 members, and the lower Arkansas House of Representatives with 100 members. All 135 representatives and state senators...
: "Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas." - California State LegislatureCalifornia State LegislatureThe California State Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of California. It is a bicameral body consisting of the lower house, the California State Assembly, with 80 members, and the upper house, the California State Senate, with 40 members...
: "The People of the State of California do enact as follows:" - Colorado General AssemblyColorado General AssemblyThe Colorado General Assembly is the state legislature of the State of Colorado.-Constitutional definition:The Colorado Constitution establishes a system of government based on the separation of powers doctrine with power divided among three "departments": executive, legislative and judicial...
: "Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:"; for bills adopted by referendum, "Be it enacted by the People of the State of Colorado:" - Connecticut General AssemblyConnecticut General AssemblyThe Connecticut General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Connecticut. It is a bicameral body composed of the 151-member House of Representatives and the 36-member Senate. It meets in the state capital, Hartford. There are no term limits for either chamber.During...
: "Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:" - Delaware General AssemblyDelaware General AssemblyThe Delaware General Assembly is the legislature of the U.S. state of Delaware. It is a bicameral legislature composed of the Delaware Senate with 21 Senators and the Delaware House of Representatives with 41 Representatives...
: "Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Delaware" - Florida LegislatureFlorida LegislatureThe Florida State Legislature is the term often used to refer to the two houses that act as the state legislature of the U.S. state of Florida. The Florida Constitution states that "The legislative power of the state shall be vested in a legislature of the State of Florida," composed of a Senate...
: "Be it enacted by the People of Florida" - Georgia General AssemblyGeorgia General AssemblyThe Georgia General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Georgia. It is bicameral, being composed of the Georgia House of Representatives and the Georgia Senate....
: "Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Georgia" - Hawaii State Legislature: "Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Hawaii:"
- Idaho LegislatureIdaho LegislatureThe Idaho Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Idaho. It consists of the upper Idaho Senate and the lower Idaho House of Representatives. The Idaho Senate contains 35 Senators, who are elected from 35 districts...
: "Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Idaho" - Illinois General AssemblyIllinois General AssemblyThe Illinois General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Illinois and comprises the Illinois House of Representatives and the Illinois Senate. The General Assembly was created by the first state constitution adopted in 1818. Illinois has 59 legislative districts, with two...
: "Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly" - Indiana General AssemblyIndiana General AssemblyThe Indiana General Assembly is the state legislature, or legislative branch, of the state of Indiana. It is a bicameral legislature that consists of a lower house, the Indiana House of Representatives, and an upper house, the Indiana Senate...
: "Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana" - Iowa General AssemblyIowa General AssemblyThe Iowa General Assembly is the legislative branch of the state government of Iowa. Like the federal United States Congress, the General Assembly is a bicameral body, composed of the upper house Iowa Senate and the lower Iowa House of Representatives respectively...
: "Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Iowa" - Kansas LegislatureKansas LegislatureThe Kansas Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Kansas. It is a bicameral assembly, composed of the lower Kansas House of Representatives, composed of 125 Representatives, and the upper Kansas Senate, with 40 Senators...
: "Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Kansas" - Kentucky General AssemblyKentucky General AssemblyThe Kentucky General Assembly, also called the Kentucky Legislature, is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Kentucky.The General Assembly meets annually in the state capitol building in Frankfort, Kentucky, convening on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in January...
: "Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky" - Louisiana Legislature: "Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana"
- Maine LegislatureMaine LegislatureThe Maine Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Maine. It is a bicameral body composed of the lower house Maine House of Representatives and the upper house Maine Senate...
: "Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:" - Maryland General AssemblyMaryland General AssemblyThe Maryland General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Maryland. It is a bicameral body. The upper chamber, the Maryland State Senate, has 47 representatives and the lower chamber, the Maryland House of Delegates, has 141 representatives...
: "Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland" - Massachusetts General CourtMassachusetts General CourtThe Massachusetts General Court is the state legislature of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The name "General Court" is a hold-over from the Colonial Era, when this body also sat in judgment of judicial appeals cases...
: "Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:" - Michigan LegislatureMichigan LegislatureThe Michigan Legislature is the legislative assembly of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is organized as a bicameral body consisting of the Senate, the upper house, and the House of Representatives, the lower house. Article IV of the state's Constitution, adopted in 1963, defines the role of the...
: "The People of the State of Michigan enact:" - Minnesota LegislatureMinnesota LegislatureThe Minnesota Legislature is the legislative branch of government in the U.S. state of Minnesota. It is a bicameral legislature located at the Minnesota Capitol in Saint Paul and it consists of two houses: the lower Minnesota House of Representatives and the Minnesota Senate...
: "Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Minnesota" - Mississippi LegislatureMississippi LegislatureThe Mississippi Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Mississippi. The bicameral Legislature is composed of the lower Mississippi House of Representatives, with 122 members, and the upper Mississippi Senate, with 52 members. Both Representatives and Senators serve four-year...
: "Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Mississippi" - Missouri General AssemblyMissouri General AssemblyThe Missouri General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Missouri. The bicameral General Assembly is composed of a 34-member Senate, and a 163-member House of Representatives. Members of both houses of the General Assembly are subject to term limits...
: "Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Missouri" - Montana Legislature: "Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Montana"
- Nebraska LegislatureNebraska LegislatureThe Nebraska Legislature is the supreme legislative body of the State of Nebraska, in the Great Plains region of the United States. The Legislature meets at the Nebraska State Capitol in the City of Lincoln, Lancaster County....
: "Be it enacted by the people of the State of Nebraska" - Nevada LegislatureNevada LegislatureThe Nevada Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Nevada. The Legislature is a bicameral body, consisting of the lower house Nevada Assembly, with 42 members, and the upper house Nevada Senate, with 21 members. All 63 members of the Legislature are elected from an equal amount of...
: "The People of the State of Nevada, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows" (For acts passed by popular initiative, "The People of the State of Nevada do enact as follows") - New Hampshire General CourtNew Hampshire General CourtThe General Court of New Hampshire is the bicameral state legislature of the U.S. state of New Hampshire. The lower house is the New Hampshire House of Representatives with 400 members. The upper house is the New Hampshire Senate with 24 members...
: "Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:" - New Jersey LegislatureNew Jersey LegislatureThe New Jersey Legislature is the legislative branch of the government of the U.S. state of New Jersey. In its current form, as defined by the New Jersey Constitution of 1947, the Legislature consists of two houses: the General Assembly and the Senate...
: "Be It Enacted by the SenateNew Jersey SenateThe New Jersey Senate was established as the upper house of the New Jersey Legislature by the Constitution of 1844, replacing the Legislative Council. From 1844 until 1965 New Jersey's counties elected one Senator, each. Under the 1844 Constitution the term of office was three years. The 1947...
and General AssemblyNew Jersey General AssemblyThe New Jersey General Assembly is the lower house of the New Jersey Legislature.Since the election of 1967 , the Assembly has consisted of 80 members. Two members are elected from each of New Jersey's 40 legislative districts for a term of two years, each representing districts with average...
of the State of New Jersey:" - New Mexico LegislatureNew Mexico LegislatureThe New Mexico Legislature is the legislative branch of the state government of New Mexico. It is a bicameral body made up of the New Mexico House of Representatives and the New Mexico Senate....
: "Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of New Mexico" - New York LegislatureNew York LegislatureThe New York State Legislature is the term often used to refer to the two houses that act as the state legislature of the U.S. state of New York. The New York Constitution does not designate an official term for the two houses together...
: "The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows," - North Carolina General AssemblyNorth Carolina General AssemblyThe North Carolina General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of North Carolina. The General Assembly drafts and legislates the state laws of North Carolina, also known as the General Statutes...
: "The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:" - North Dakota Legislative AssemblyNorth Dakota Legislative AssemblyThe North Dakota Legislative Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of North Dakota. The Legislative Assembly consists of two chambers, the lower North Dakota House of Representatives, with 94 representatives, and the upper North Dakota Senate, with 47 senators...
: "Be it enacted by the Legislative Assembly of North Dakota" - Ohio General AssemblyOhio General AssemblyThe Ohio General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Ohio. It consists of the 99-member Ohio House of Representatives and the 33-member Ohio Senate...
: "Be it enacted by the general assembly of the state of OhioOhioOhio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
" (sic) - Oklahoma LegislatureOklahoma LegislatureThe Legislature of the State of Oklahoma is the biennial meeting of the legislative branch of the government of Oklahoma. It is bicameral, comprising the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma Senate, with all members elected directly by the people. The House of Representatives has 101...
: "Be it enacted by the People of the State of Oklahoma" - Oregon Legislative AssemblyOregon Legislative AssemblyThe Oregon Legislative Assembly is the state legislature for the U.S. state of Oregon. The Legislative Assembly is bicameral, consisting of an upper and lower house: the Senate, whose 30 members are elected to serve four-year terms; and the House of Representatives, with 60 members elected to...
: "Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:" - Pennsylvania General AssemblyPennsylvania General AssemblyThe Pennsylvania General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. The legislature convenes in the State Capitol building in Harrisburg. In colonial times , the legislature was known as the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly. Since the Constitution of 1776, written by...
: "The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows:" - Rhode Island General AssemblyRhode Island General AssemblyThe State of Rhode Island General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Rhode Island. A bicameral body, it is composed of the lower Rhode Island House of Representatives with 75 representatives, and the upper Rhode Island Senate with 38 senators...
: "It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:" - South Carolina General AssemblySouth Carolina General AssemblyThe South Carolina General Assembly, also called the South Carolina Legislature, is the state legislature of the U.S. state of South Carolina. The legislature is bicameral and consists of the lower South Carolina House of Representatives and the upper South Carolina Senate. Altogether, the General...
: "Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:" - South Dakota LegislatureSouth Dakota LegislatureThe South Dakota State Legislature is the legislative branch of the government of South Dakota. It is a bicameral legislative body, consisting of the South Dakota Senate, which has 35 members, and the South Dakota House of Representatives, which has 70 members...
: "Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of South Dakota" - Tennessee General AssemblyTennessee General AssemblyThe Tennessee General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Tennessee.-Constitutional structure:According to the Tennessee State Constitution of 1870, the General Assembly is a bicameral legislature and consists of a Senate of thirty-three members and a House of Representatives of...
: "Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee" - Texas LegislatureTexas LegislatureThe Legislature of the state of Texas is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Texas. The legislature is a bicameral body composed of a 31-member Senate and a 150-member House of Representatives. The Legislature meets at the Capitol in Austin...
: "Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas:" - Utah State LegislatureUtah State LegislatureThe Utah State Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Utah. It is a bicameral body, comprising the Utah House of Representatives, with 75 Representatives, and the Utah Senate, with 29 State Senators...
:"Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Utah," - Vermont General AssemblyVermont General AssemblyThe Vermont General Assembly is the legislative body of the U.S. state of Vermont. The Legislature is formally known as the "General Assembly," but the style of "Legislature" is commonly used, including by the body itself...
: "It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:" - Virginia General AssemblyVirginia General AssemblyThe Virginia General Assembly is the legislative body of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the oldest legislative body in the Western Hemisphere, established on July 30, 1619. The General Assembly is a bicameral body consisting of a lower house, the Virginia House of Delegates, with 100 members,...
: "Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia" - Washington State LegislatureWashington State LegislatureThe Washington State Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Washington. It is a bipartisan, bicameral body, composed of the lower Washington House of Representatives, composed of 98 Representatives, and the upper Washington State Senate, with 49 Senators.The State Legislature...
: "Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Washington:" - West Virginia LegislatureWest Virginia LegislatureThe West Virginia Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of West Virginia. A bicameral legislative body, the Legislature is split between the upper Senate and the lower House of Delegates. It was established under Article VI of the West Virginia Constitution following the state's...
: "Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:" - Wisconsin LegislatureWisconsin LegislatureThe Wisconsin Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The Legislature is a bicameral body composed of the upper house Wisconsin Senate and the lower Wisconsin Assembly...
: "The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows:" - Wyoming LegislatureWyoming LegislatureThe Wyoming State Legislature is the legislative branch of the U.S. State of Wyoming. It is a bicameral state legislature, consisting of a 60 member Wyoming House of Representatives, and a 30 member Wyoming Senate. The legislature meets at the Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne...
: "Be it Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Wyoming:"
District of Columbia
- Council of the District of ColumbiaCouncil of the District of ColumbiaThe Council of the District of Columbia is the legislative branch of the local government of the District of Columbia. As permitted in the United States Constitution, the District is not part of any U.S. state and is instead overseen directly by the federal government...
: "Be it enacted by the Council of the District of Columbia,"
TerritorialUnited States territoryUnited States territory is any extent of region under the jurisdiction of the federal government of the United States, including all waters including all U.S. Naval carriers. The United States has traditionally proclaimed the sovereign rights for exploring, exploiting, conserving, and managing its...
legislatures
- Legislature of GuamLegislature of GuamThe Legislature of Guam is the territorial legislature of Guam. The legislative branch of the unincorporated U.S. territory is unicameral, with a single house consisting of fifteen senators, serving for a two year term...
: "Be it enacted by the people of Guam"