pass law essay 300 words pdf

Essay About The Pass Laws 300 Words

let’s explore a piece of history that’s like a puzzle from the past – the Pass Laws. It’s a chapter of our world’s history filled with struggle, injustice, and the courage of those who fought against it. So, grab your time-traveling hats, and let’s dive into this important journey!

Table of Contents

What Were the Pass Laws? – A Glimpse into a Challenging Past

The Pass Laws were like a set of rules and regulations in South Africa during a time when things were not equal for everyone. They started way back in the 18th century but became more serious in the 20th century. These laws required people of color, mainly Black South Africans, to carry a special passbook with them at all times. It’s like carrying around a ticket just to prove who you are.

Apartheid – The Dark Background

To understand the Pass Laws, we need to talk about apartheid. Apartheid was like a big dark cloud that hung over South Africa for many years. It was a system of racial segregation that separated people based on the color of their skin. The Pass Laws were one of the tools used to enforce apartheid and control the movement of Black South Africans.

The Different Types of Passes

There were different types of passes for different purposes. It’s like having a bunch of keys, each unlocking a different door. There were work passes, travel passes, and even passbooks for children. These passes controlled where people could live, work, and travel.

The Struggles and Hardships

Living under the Pass Laws was like walking through a maze filled with obstacles. Black South Africans had to deal with constant police checks, arrests, and harassment. It was difficult to find work or move to different areas without the right passes. Families were often separated because of these laws.

Heroes Who Fought Back

Even in the darkest times, there were heroes who stood up against the Pass Laws. People like Nelson Mandela, Steve Biko, and many others were like beacons of hope. They organized protests, spoke out against injustice, and worked tirelessly to bring about change.

International Pressure

The Pass Laws didn’t just affect South Africa; they caught the attention of the world. Other countries imposed sanctions and boycotts to pressure South Africa to end apartheid and the Pass Laws. It’s like a global chorus of voices demanding justice.

The End of Apartheid

Finally, in the early 1990s, the world witnessed a remarkable change. It was like a bright dawn breaking after a long night. South Africa started to dismantle apartheid and the Pass Laws. Nelson Mandela was released from prison, and negotiations for a more equal society began.

Lessons Learned

The Pass Laws and apartheid are like reminders of the importance of equality, justice, and the power of people coming together to make a change. We must remember this part of history so that we can prevent such injustices from happening again.

Our Role in History

As young people, we also play a role in history. It’s like adding our own brushstrokes to a painting. We must learn about the past, stand up against injustice, and work towards a more equal world. Our actions today shape the future.

A Brighter Future

Today, South Africa has made progress towards equality, but the wounds of the past still linger. It’s like a healing process that takes time. By learning about the Pass Laws and understanding their impact, we can be part of a brighter future where all people are treated with fairness and respect.

Conclusion: Remembering and Learning

The Pass Laws were a dark chapter in South Africa’s history, but they also serve as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the power of change. By understanding this history and working towards a more just world, we can honor the heroes who fought against injustice and ensure that such laws are never repeated.

Author’s Note:

I hope you found this journey through history insightful. It’s like a window into a challenging time, but it also shows us the resilience of the human spirit. If you want to talk more about this or any other topic, just let me know!

Hello! Welcome to my Blog StudyParagraphs.co. My name is Angelina. I am a college professor. I love reading writing for kids students. This blog is full with valuable knowledge for all class students. Thank you for reading my articles.

Related Posts:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• History & Society
• Science & Tech
• Biographies
• Animals & Nature
• Geography & Travel
• Arts & Culture
• Games & Quizzes
• On This Day
• One Good Fact
• New Articles
• Lifestyles & Social Issues
• Philosophy & Religion
• Politics, Law & Government
• World History
• Health & Medicine
• Browse Biographies
• Birds, Reptiles & Other Vertebrates
• Bugs, Mollusks & Other Invertebrates
• Environment
• Fossils & Geologic Time
• Entertainment & Pop Culture
• Sports & Recreation
• Visual Arts
• Demystified
• Image Galleries
• Infographics
• Top Questions
• Britannica Kids
• Saving Earth
• Space Next 50
• Student Center

• What is racism?
• What are some of the societal aspects of racism?
• What are some of the measures taken to combat racism?
• What is apartheid?
• When did apartheid start?

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

• South African History Online - Pass laws in South Africa 1800-1994

pass law , law that required nonwhites in South Africa to carry documents authorizing their presence in restricted areas. Pass laws were among the main instruments of apartheid until the government ended the requirement to carry documentation in 1986.

The pass law system arose out of a series of regulations, beginning with those enacted by the Dutch East India Company in the 18th century, that restricted the settlement and movement of nonwhites in Southern Africa . Many Africans were forcibly expelled from the Cape Colony , especially as British settlers acquired more land in the early 19th century. But even as the colony experienced chronic labour shortages, they envisioned a colony that did not include Black African citizens. So Cape authorities enacted policies that allowed labourers from outside the Cape Colony to enter for work but with restricted rights. Among the earliest of these “pass” policies was Ordinance 49 (1828), which permitted Black labourers from east of the Keiskamma River to enter the colony for work if they possessed the proper contracts and passes.

The practice of racial segregation by law was further codified in South Africa in the 20th century, particularly after the National Party , led by Daniel F. Malan , gained office in 1948, and implemented its vision of apartheid . The Population Registration Act of 1950 classified all South Africans as either Bantu (all Black Africans), Coloured (those of mixed race), or white. A fourth category—Asian (Indian and Pakistani)—was later added. The Group Areas Act of 1950 established residential and business sections in urban areas for each race, and members of other races were barred from living, operating businesses, or owning land in them—which led to thousands of people assigned “Coloured,” “Black,” or “Asian” labels being removed from areas classified for white occupation.

The pass laws were strengthened to enforce the segregation of the races and prevent Blacks from entering into white areas. The Natives (Abolition of Passes and Co-ordination of Documents) Act, enacted in 1952, replaced passes with “reference books” that included detailed information, including employment information and evaluations from employers, as well as fingerprints . Every Black man of at least 16 years of age was required to carry a reference book at all times.

In the late 1970s the daily average prison population in South Africa was almost 100,000, one of the highest rates in the world. Of these, the majority were imprisoned for statutory offenses against the pass laws. By the end of the pass law system, over 17 million arrests had been made. In 1986, under pressure from international sanctions, the South African government abolished the pass laws; the broader system of legislated apartheid was not dismantled until 1990–91.

Pass Laws During Apartheid

Corbis/Getty Images

• American History
• African American History
• Ancient History and Culture
• Asian History
• European History
• Latin American History
• Medieval & Renaissance History
• Military History
• The 20th Century
• Women's History
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education, University College London
• M.S., Imperial College London
• B.S., Heriot-Watt University

South African pass laws were a major component of  apartheid  that focused on separating South African citizens according to their race. This was done to promote the supposed superiority of White people and to establish the minority White regime.

Legislative laws were passed to accomplish this, including the Land Act of 1913, the Mixed Marriages Act of 1949, and the Immorality Amendment Act of 1950—all of which were created to separate the races.

Designed to Control Movement

Under apartheid, pass laws were designed to control the movement of Black Africans , and they are considered one of the most grievous methods that the South African government used to support apartheid.

The resulting legislation (specifically Abolition of Passes and Co-ordination of Documents Act No. 67 of 1952 ) introduced in South Africa required Black Africans to carry identity documents in the form of a "reference book" when outside a set of reserves (later known as homelands or bantustans.)

Pass laws evolved from regulations that the Dutch and British enacted during the 18th-century and 19th-century enslavement economy of the Cape Colony. In the 19th century, new pass laws were enacted to ensure a steady supply of cheap African labor for the diamond and gold mines.

In 1952, the government passed an even more stringent law that required all African men age 16 and over to carry a "reference book" (replacing the previous passbook) which held their personal and employment information. (Attempts to force women to carry passbooks in 1910, and again during the 1950s, caused strong protests.)

Passbook Contents

The passbook was similar to a passport in that it contained details about the individual, including a photograph, fingerprint, address, the name of his employer, how long the person had been employed, and other identifying information. Employers often entered an evaluation of the pass holder's behavior.

As defined by law, an employer could only be a White person. The pass also documented when permission was requested to be in a certain region and for what purpose, and whether that request was denied or granted.

Urban areas were considered "White," so a non-White person needed a passbook to be inside a city.

Under the law, any governmental employee could remove these entries, essentially removing permission to stay in the area. If a passbook didn't have a valid entry, officials could arrest its owner and put him in prison.

Colloquially, passes were known as the dompas , which literally meant the "dumb pass." These passes became the most hated and despicable symbols of apartheid.

Violating Pass Laws

Africans often violated the pass laws to find work and support their families and thus lived under constant threat of fines, harassment, and arrests.

Protests against the suffocating laws drove the anti-apartheid struggle—including the Defiance Campaign in the early '50s and the huge women's protest in Pretoria in 1956.

In 1960, Africans burned their passes at the police station in Sharpeville and 69 protesters were killed. During the '70s and '80s, many Africans who violated pass laws lost their citizenship and were deported to impoverished rural "homelands." By the time the pass laws were repealed in 1986, 17 million people had been arrested.

• What Was Apartheid in South Africa?
• The End of South African Apartheid
• Grand Apartheid in South Africa
• South Africa's National Holidays
• Understanding South Africa's Apartheid Era
• Pre-Apartheid Era Laws: Natives (or Black) Land Act No. 27 of 1913
• Women's Anti-Pass Law Campaigns in South Africa
• Group Areas Act No. 41 of 1950
• Apartheid Era Signs - Racial Segregation in South Africa
• South African Apartheid-Era Identity Numbers
• Apartheid 101
• The Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act
• School Enrollment in Apartheid Era South Africa
• Chief Albert Luthuli
• The Origins of Apartheid in South Africa
• Biography of Donald Woods, South African Journalist

Video Interviews

Audio Interviews

Related Multimedia Resources:

Web documents, suggested reading.

Group Areas Act Essay – Grade 9

Introduction

In this Grade 9 essay , we will explore the Group Areas Act , one of the most infamous laws during the apartheid era in South Africa. This Act was passed in 1950 and played a critical role in enforcing racial segregation. It had a severe impact on the lives of Black South Africans and other non-white communities, leading to the forced removal of millions of people from their homes. Understanding the Group Areas Act is crucial to grasp the harsh realities of apartheid and its long-lasting effects on South African society.

What Was the Group Areas Act?

The Group Areas Act was a law that required people to live in areas according to their race. The government decided where people of different races could live, work, and own land. The most desirable areas were reserved for white people, while Black South Africans and other non-white groups were forced to live in less developed, overcrowded, and often far-off regions. For a deeper understanding, you can read more on the Group Areas Act’s effects .

Effects of the Group Areas Act

The Group Areas Act had many devastating effects, particularly on Black South Africans:

• Forced Removals: Millions of Black people were forced to leave their homes in urban areas and move to townships, far from their jobs and communities. For more information on this, you can check out the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s detailed account .
• Destruction of Communities: The Act destroyed vibrant Black communities. For example, Sophiatown in Johannesburg was demolished, and its residents were moved to Soweto .
• Economic Hardship: Because Black people were forced to live far from cities, they lost access to many job opportunities and suffered economically. Their businesses were also restricted to certain areas, limiting their ability to thrive economically.
• Social and Psychological Impact: The removal from their homes and the destruction of communities led to a breakdown of social networks and caused long-term psychological trauma. Many people felt a deep sense of loss and alienation.
• Lasting Legacy: The spatial segregation created by the Group Areas Act is still visible today in South Africa’s urban landscape, where many Black people live in underdeveloped townships far from economic opportunities. You can explore more about the ongoing impact in this article from ThoughtCo .

In conclusion, the Group Areas Act was a law that caused immense suffering for Black South Africans and other non-white groups. It forced millions from their homes, destroyed communities, and entrenched economic inequality that still affects South Africa today. Understanding this Act is essential for Grade 9 learners to comprehend the severity of apartheid and its lasting impact on the country’s development.

For further reading, including more detailed analyses and historical context, you can refer to the following resources: Effects of Group Areas Act on Black People , Nelson Mandela Foundation , ThoughtCo’s Overview of the Act , and JSTOR’s Academic Perspective .

This Group Areas Act essay should provide you with a clear understanding of the law’s impact, and guide you in your studies of apartheid in Grade 9.

Looking for something specific?

Did you see these.

• Apartheid Laws Grade 9 Summary
• 10 Important Things Nelson Mandela did to Build Democracy with Example and Facts
• Separate Amenities Act Essay Guide – 300 Words Grade 9
• Grade 9 History Project – Apartheid Laws Guide
• How Many Apartheid Laws Were There in South Africa?
• 10 Differences Between San and Khoikhoi
• 7 Characteristics of Traditional Societies
• 25 Questions and Answers Based on Bantu Education Act

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

10 Ways Apartheid Affected People’s Lives and How They Responded

Apartheid was a system of institutional racial segregation and discrimination that existed in South Africa from 1948 to the early 1990s. The word “apartheid” is an Afrikaans word that means “separateness.”

Under apartheid, the government divided the population into racial groups and classified individuals based on their skin color, ethnic origin, and social status.

The white minority government used this classification to justify separate facilities, education systems, and living areas for different racial groups.

The apartheid system was characterized by racial discrimination, human rights abuses, and the denial of political and economic rights to non-white South Africans. It was officially abolished in 1994 when Nelson Mandela became the first black president of South Africa

How Apartheid Affected People’s Lives and How They Responded

Limited access to education.

Under apartheid, the education system was segregated based on race. White students received the best education, while non-white students received an inferior education. Non-white schools had fewer resources, poorly trained teachers, and overcrowded classrooms. 

This limited the opportunities for non-white students to succeed academically and professionally.

Non-white students and their families responded to this injustice by protesting and boycotting schools, demanding better education and equal opportunities.

The Soweto Uprising in 1976, where thousands of students protested against being taught in Afrikaans, is a notable example of this resistance.

Related: 10 Effects of Bantu Education Act on South Africans 

Forced Removals

The apartheid government forcibly removed non-white communities from their homes and relocated them to segregated areas known as townships.

This caused great upheaval and trauma for many families, as they were often removed from their ancestral lands and forced to live in overcrowded, under-resourced areas.

Many families resisted these forced removals, with some refusing to leave their homes and others engaging in protests and acts of civil disobedience.

The Sharpeville Massacre in 1960, where 69 black protesters were killed by police while protesting against forced removals, is a notable example of resistance against this policy.

The government introduced laws that required non-white South Africans to carry identification documents, known as “passes,” at all times. This allowed the government to control the movement of non-white people and limit their access to certain areas of the country.

Non-white people responded to the passed laws by engaging in acts of civil disobedience and protest. The Defiance Campaign in 1952, led by the African National Congress (ANC), encouraged non-white South Africans to refuse to carry their passes and engage in acts of civil disobedience.

This campaign was met with brutal repression, with many protesters being arrested and imprisoned.

Related: List of All Apartheid Laws from 1948 to 1994 + PDF

Limited Employment Opportunities

Apartheid limited the employment opportunities available to non-white South Africans, with many jobs being reserved exclusively for white people. This meant that non-white people were often forced to work in low-paying, menial jobs with little opportunity for advancement.

Non-white workers responded to this injustice by engaging in strikes and protests, demanding better working conditions and equal pay.

The 1973 Durban strikes, which involved over 100,000 non-white workers demanding better wages and working conditions, is a notable example of this resistance.

Related: 34 Interview Questions and Answers Based on Apartheid + PDF

Political Repression

Under apartheid, non-white South Africans were denied the right to vote and participate in the political process. Political parties representing non-white people were also banned, and activists were routinely harassed, arrested, and imprisoned.

Non-white South Africans responded to this political repression by engaging in acts of civil disobedience and protest.

The Sharpeville Massacre in 1960 and the Soweto Uprising in 1976 are examples of protests against political repression.

The ANC and other political organizations also engaged in armed resistance against the apartheid government, with the ANC’s armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe, launching a campaign of sabotage and guerrilla warfare against government targets.

Limited Access to Healthcare

Non-white South Africans had limited access to healthcare under apartheid, with segregated healthcare systems providing inferior services to non-white patients.

Non-white communities responded to this injustice by setting up their healthcare facilities and engaging in acts of civil disobedience.

The 1985 Vaal Triangle protests, which were sparked by a lack of access to healthcare facilities, are a notable example of this resistance.

Cultural Suppression

Under apartheid, non-white South Africans were denied the right to express their cultural identities and were forced to conform to white cultural norms.

Non-white communities responded to this cultural suppression by engaging in acts of cultural resistance and protest. The use of traditional dress, music, and dance was a way for non-white South Africans to assert their cultural identity and resist the cultural hegemony of the apartheid state.

The cultural boycott of South Africa, led by the international community, was also an important form of resistance against apartheid.

Apartheid was a violent system, with the government using violence to suppress opposition and enforce its policies. Non-white South Africans also engaged in violence as a means of resistance, with some resorting to armed struggle against the government.

The violence associated with apartheid had a profound impact on South African society, with many families and communities experiencing loss and trauma.

However, violence was also seen by some as a necessary means of resistance against an oppressive regime.

Economic Inequality

Apartheid created massive economic inequality in South Africa, with non-white people being denied access to economic opportunities and resources.

Non-white South Africans responded to this economic inequality by engaging in acts of protest and boycotts. The consumer boycotts of the 1980s, which targeted companies that supported the apartheid regime, were an important form of economic resistance against apartheid.

International Solidarity

Non-white South Africans also received support from the international community in their struggle against apartheid. The anti-apartheid movement, which emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, mobilized people around the world to support the struggle for freedom in South Africa.

International solidarity took many forms, including boycotts, divestment campaigns, and sanctions against South Africa.

The international pressure exerted on South Africa played a key role in bringing about the end of apartheid, with the international community imposing economic and political sanctions on South Africa that helped to isolate the apartheid regime and bring about its downfall.

Apartheid had a profound impact on the lives of South Africans, with many people responding to its injustices through acts of resistance and protest.

From the Sharpeville Massacre to the consumer boycotts of the 1980s, the struggle against apartheid involved a wide range of tactics and strategies, and ultimately led to the end of apartheid and the emergence of a new, democratic South Africa.

Related: Apartheid Essay 300 Words + PDF

Olusegun Iyejare is a career coach and certified counselor. He helps individuals discover and maximize their potential to live satisfying lives regardless of obvious limitations holding them back.

Similar Posts By Author:

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Apartheid Essay for Grade 9 Examples: 300 -1000 Words

The apartheid era in South Africa was a time of extreme racial segregation and discrimination that lasted from 1948 to 1994. Writing an essay about this complex subject requires an understanding of history, social dynamics, and human rights. This guide will help you break down the topic into manageable parts for a well-structured essay.

Section 1: Introduction to Apartheid

• Background : Explain what apartheid was, when it began, and who was involved.
• Thesis Statement : Summarise your main argument or perspective on apartheid.
• Keyword : Apartheid, racial segregation.

Section 2: Implementation of Apartheid Laws

• Introduction : Detail how apartheid laws were created and implemented.
• Examples : Mention laws such as the Population Registration Act, Group Areas Act.
• Keyword : Laws, racial classification.

Section 3: Effects on South African Society

• Introduction : Describe how apartheid affected different racial groups.
• Examples : Provide real-life examples, like forced relocations.
• Keyword : Discrimination, societal impact.

Section 4: Resistance to Apartheid

• Introduction : Explain how individuals and groups resisted apartheid.
• Examples : Talk about movements like the ANC, people like Nelson Mandela.
• Keyword : Resistance, liberation movements.

Section 5: End of Apartheid

• Introduction : Discuss how apartheid came to an end and the transition to democracy.
• Examples : Refer to negotiations, elections, and the role of global pressure.
• Keyword : Democracy, reconciliation.
• Summary : Recap the main points and restate your thesis.
• Closing Thoughts : Offer a reflection on the legacy of apartheid in contemporary South Africa.

Additional Tips

• Use Simple Language : Write in a way that’s easy to understand.
• Use South African Context : Focus on facts and examples relevant to South Africa.
• Research : Back up your points with well-researched facts and theories.

Introduction

Apartheid , a system of racial segregation that lasted from 1948 to 1994, defined a dark era in South African history. It dictated where people could live, work, and even socialise, based on their racial classification. This essay will explore the genesis of apartheid, its impact on South African society, the brave resistance against it, and finally, its dismantling.

Section 1: Implementation of Apartheid Laws

In 1948, the National Party came to power and implemented apartheid as a legal system. The Population Registration Act classified South Africans into four racial categories: Black, White, Coloured, and Indian. Following this, the Group Areas Act designated different living areas for each racial group. These laws not only separated people but ensured that the majority of the country’s resources were reserved for the white minority.

Section 2: Effects on South African Society

The effects of apartheid were profound and painful. Black South Africans were forcibly relocated to townships with poor living conditions. The Bantu Education Act provided an inferior education for Black children, preparing them only for menial jobs. Families were torn apart, and non-white South Africans were treated as second-class citizens, all in the name of maintaining white supremacy.

Section 3: Resistance to Apartheid

Despite the oppressive regime, many South Africans resisted apartheid. The African National Congress (ANC) and other liberation movements organised protests and strikes. Icons like Nelson Mandela and Albertina Sisulu fought tirelessly against the system. The Soweto Uprising in 1976, where students protested against the use of Afrikaans in schools, is a stark example of how even the youth were involved in the struggle.

Section 4: End of Apartheid

The journey to end apartheid was long and fraught with challenges. International pressure, economic sanctions, and internal unrest gradually weakened the apartheid government. Negotiations began, leading to the release of political prisoners like Mandela. In 1994, South Africa held its first democratic elections, in which all racial groups could vote, marking the official end of apartheid.

Apartheid was a system that caused immense suffering and division in South Africa. Its impact is still felt today, as the country grapples with issues of inequality and racial tension. However, the end of apartheid also symbolises the triumph of justice, human rights, and the indomitable spirit of the South African people. The lessons learned from this period continue to shape South Africa’s journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate society. The story of apartheid is not just a history lesson; it is a guide for future generations about the importance of unity, resilience, and the continuous pursuit of equality.

Looking for something specific?

You may also like.

Technology Grade 9 Free Textbooks and Teacher Guides for download

Physical Science Grade 9 Latest Experiments and Memos for CAPS Assessments: South Africa

Group Areas Act Essay Grade 9 300 Words

Implications of not Furthering your Studies After Grade 9​

Pass law essay 300 words

pass law essay 300 words

Pass Law Essay 300 Words

Answer: The concept of “passing law” refers to the legislative process by which a bill becomes a law in a given legal system. This process can vary significantly depending on the country and its specific form of government. Generally, the passage of a law involves several essential steps, typically starting with the proposal of a bill and ending with its enactment.

1. Introduction of a Bill

The process begins with the introduction of a bill, which can be proposed by a member of the legislative body, such as a senator or a representative, or by the executive branch, depending on the government’s structure. The bill outlines new legislation or amendments to existing laws and includes the specific language and regulations proposed.

2. Committee Review

Once a bill is introduced, it is usually referred to a committee that specializes in the bill’s subject matter. The committee reviews the bill, holds hearings, and may request expert testimony. The purpose is to scrutinize the bill’s implications and to suggest any necessary revisions.

3. Debate and Amendments

After committee review, the bill is brought to the floor of the legislative body for debate. During this stage, legislators discuss the bill’s merits and drawbacks. Amendments to the bill can be proposed and voted on. This ensures that the bill undergoes a thorough examination and refinement process.

Once the debate concludes, the bill is put to a vote. Depending on the legislative rules, a simple majority or a more substantial majority may be required for the bill to pass. If the bill passes in one chamber of a bicameral legislature, it typically moves to the other chamber to undergo a similar process.

5. Executive Approval

If the bill passes both chambers, it is sent to the executive branch (e.g., the President, Governor) for approval. The executive has the authority to sign the bill into law or veto it. In many systems, a veto can be overridden by a supermajority vote in the legislature.

Finalization

Upon receiving executive approval, the bill becomes law and is formally enacted. It is then published so that the public and relevant authorities are aware of the new legislation.

Final Answer: Passing law is a meticulous procedure involving the introduction of a bill, committee review, debate and amendments, voting, and ultimately executive approval. Each stage ensures the proposed legislation is carefully considered and refined before its enactment.

Write example

Write Example: Pass Law Essay 300 Words

Answer: The legislative process to enact laws is a critical function of government, ensuring that society regulates conduct and establishes standards. Here is an example of a 300-word essay describing the process of passing a law in a parliamentary system.

Introduction and Proposal

The journey of a bill begins with its introduction, typically by a member of parliament or the executive branch. This proposed legislation addresses specific issues, such as public health, safety, or economic policies. For instance, a new health bill may aim to improve public healthcare services.

Committee Scrutiny

Once introduced, the bill is referred to a specialized committee. This committee, composed of legislators with relevant expertise, examines the bill closely. Public hearings may be held, inviting experts, stakeholders, and citizens to provide input. This stage ensures detailed scrutiny and allows for necessary improvements. In our health bill example, medical professionals might testify on its potential impact.

Debate and Amendment

The revised bill then proceeds to the floor of the parliament, where it is debated. Legislators discuss its merits, potential drawbacks, and overall impact. Amendments can be proposed to refine the bill further. This stage is crucial as it fosters an inclusive dialogue, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered. For instance, the health bill might be amended to include provisions for rural healthcare facilities.

Voting and Approval

Following the debate, the bill is put to a vote. A simple majority, or in some cases a supermajority, is required for it to pass. If successful, the bill progresses to the other chamber in a bicameral system, repeating the process. Finally, the bill goes to the head of state, such as the President or Monarch, for formal approval. In the case of our health bill, it may require signatures from both the Senate and House of Representatives.

With executive approval, the bill becomes law. It is published and implemented, becoming a binding statute that must be followed. The new health law might now regulate better healthcare standards and accessibility.

Final Answer:

The passage of a law in a parliamentary system involves several crucial steps, from proposal to enactment. Each stage—introduction, committee scrutiny, debate, amendment, voting, and executive approval—ensures thorough consideration and democratic participation. This process guarantees that new laws, such as improvements to the healthcare system, are carefully crafted and widely accepted.

• Society and Politics
• Art and Culture
• Biographies
• Publications

Grade 11 - Apartheid South Africa 1940s to 1960s

The global pervasiveness of racism and segregation in the 1920s and 1930s

During the 1920s and 1930s, there were discriminatory policies in different parts of the world. These were mostly in European countries like Britain and European colonies like South Africa.  These discriminatory policies were mostly on basis of Race, and were often in favour of white people’s interests. Black and white people were not allowed contact in different social domains. For instance in schools, white people had well-resourced schools with better facilities, while Black people had inadequate facilities like overcrowded schools with poor teaching and learning resources.

Segregation after formation of the Union

By 1910, South Africa (then Union of South Africa ) was ruled by White people (descendants of white European settlers). This government was exclusively for white people. They were the only ones who participated in it, the only ones allowed to vote. 

Under their leadership segregation laws were predominant and highly active. These segregation laws were implemented in spaces such as the work place. In the job market white people were given first priority, they were given upper position and paid higher salaries even if they had the same qualifications, experience and capabilities as Black people. Black people worked under poor and unsafe conditions and were denied the rights to join or form trade unions. In the army only white people could serve main roles like being a soldier, Black people were given supporting roles such as cooking and cleaning. Other segregation laws and policies included the Native Land Act of 1913 and the Pass laws .

National Party victory 1948

The National Party ’s victory in the 1948 elections can be linked with the dismantlement of segregation in South Africa during the Second World War . This was because of the growth in industries, where black people were in demand for labour in industries. Black people filled the positions that were left empty by the whites. White people could not fill these positions because they were few in numbers and most white people already occupied better jobs rather than physical manual labour. Large numbers of black people then moved to the cities to fill these vacancies and soon Blacks became the majority of labour in cities.

Black people were then given pieces of land outside cities to occupy. These pieces of lands were known as ghettos. The ghettos were often not too far from the cities, so Black people could get to work in the cities easy.

In the same year, 1948, when the National Party came to power, apartheid started. Apartheid resulted from white people’s frustrations and their dissatisfactions by the then overwhelming presence of Black people in cities. The large numbers of Black people in cities threatened white people’s power. To whites, it seemed like Black people would be difficult to control in cities than in Homelands . For Whites, apartheid would then re-affirm white superiority and would keep that Black people under their control. 

Overcoming Apartheid - the nature of internal resistance to Apartheid before 1960

Internal resistance against apartheid began in the 1950s. This was when anti-apartheid groups rejected the apartheid system. They adopted a programme called the “ programme of action ”, which encompassed other internal resistance programmes such as:

• The Defiance campaign
• The African National congress
• The Freedom Charter
• The women Resistance movement
• Sharpeville Massacre
• Rivonia Trial

Also see: http://www.sahistory.org.za/topic/popular-struggles-early-years-apartheid-1948-1960

Review - ‘Apartheid’ becomes an international word; putting South Africa within a broader world context in relation to the uniqueness of Apartheid

Under the apartheid system, the South African profile in terms of foreign relations did not look good. Many countries began ending their relationship with South Africa. As a result, South Africa became relatively isolated. Most countries in the world did not approve of the apartheid system in South Africa. This was because most countries and most people became more aware of human rights and learnt from past experiences of discriminations like the Holocaust .

See: http://www.sahistory.org.za/dated-event/european-community-lifts-sanctions-against-sa

See: http://www.sahistory.org.za/dated-event/un-lifts-mandatory-sanctions-against-sa

In 1946, the United Nations expressed its concerns about South Africa’s discriminatory policies, particularly how South Africa handled the issues of South African Indians , which caused tensions between South Africa and India.

In 1952, after the Defiance Campaign, the United Nations appointed a task team to monitor the progress of the apartheid system in South Africa. Possibly the UN was a bit lenient with South Africa regarding apartheid. Many countries in the UN felt that apartheid was South Africa’s internal issue, and was quite outside from UN issues.

However the UN became hard on South Africa regarding administration of South West Africa (now Namibia ). This was because South Africa had refused grant South West Africa independence to Germany as it was stated on the Treaty of Versailles . The NP treated SWA as the fifth province of South Africa and spread apartheid in the country too.

In 1960 Liberia and Ethiopia called for the International Court of Justice to take legal actions against South Africa’s control of SWA. These two countries realised that apartheid was also expanding to other regions of in south west Africa.

In November 1960, a lawsuit, which would last for six years, was given to South Africa for poor administration of SWA. The International Court of Justice ruled that announced that Ethiopia and Liberia had no right to intervene in South Africa’s internal issues. No further rulings were made by the court regarding South Africa’s legitimacy over the administration of SWA. South Africa then continued to administer SA until its independence in 1988.

After showing signs of improvement on racial discrimination, such as negotiations about ending the apartheid system,  the release of Political prisoners like the release of  Nelson Mandela in 1990, and the African National Congress ’ lift on the armed struggle, South Africa finally  earned its freedom in 1994, and soon formed the

After showing signs of improvement on racial discrimination, such as negotiations about ending the apartheid system,  the release of Political prisoners like the release of  Nelson Mandela in 1990, and the African National Congress ’ lift on the armed struggle, South Africa finally  earned its freedom in 1994, and soon formed the Truth And Reconciliation Commission .

Collections in the Archives

Know something about this topic.

Towards a people's history