Tynwald
The Tynwald is the bicameral Legislature of the Isle of Man. It consists of the directly elected House of Keys and the indirectly chosen Legislative Council. The Houses sit jointly on Tynwald Day in St. John's, and on other occasions in Douglas. Otherwise, the two Houses sit separately, with the House of Keys originating most legislation, and the Legislative Council acting as a revising chamber.When the Tynwald meets annually in St. John's, the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man presides. Here, all laws are promulgated and special Petitions are received. (If a law is not promulgated at St. John's within eighteen months of passage, it becomes null and void.)
While the Tynwald sits in Douglas, which occurs once a month from October to July, the President of the Tynwald, who is chosen by the other members, presides. In the joint session:
- Members of each house formally sign bills
- Notice of the Royal approval from the Monarch of the United Kingdom is received
- Questions may be put to officers of Government
- Special Resolutions authorizing taxes are made
- Delegated Legislation made by Government officers may be approved or annulled
- Petitions may be presented
- The Chief Minister is appointed
- Other important public business is conducted.
Normally, both houses of the Tynwald must pass a bill, when it goes to the Queen of the United Kingdom, in her capacity as Lord of Mann, for formal assent. But if the Council rejects a bill or amends it against the Keys' wishes, the Keys have the power to repass the same bill, when the Council's disapproval is ignored and the bill presented to the Queen for formal assent.
