The National Assembly for Wales begins its new term with more legal bite and authority than ever before.

What do I need to know about the Government of Wales Act?
The Act has three central parts:
* it formally separates the executive and legislative branches of the Assembly;
* it reforms the way in which people are elected;
* it gives the Assembly more power to make laws.

What then will be the main differences between the Executive (the Government) and the Legislature (the rest of the Assembly) 
The Executive will develop and implement policies, take decisions, exercise functions and make subordinate legislation. The Legislature will scrutinise the work of Ministers, scrutinise certain subordinate legislation, scrutinise and approve the budget and finally, they can propose and scrutinise laws within the competencies of the Assembly.

What are the new powers?
While by no means totally cutting the apron strings with Westminster, the Act is important as it enables Wales to create a book of law, or Assembly Measures of its very own for the first time since the laws of Hywel Dda.It will also give each person in Wales more opportunities than ever before to influence and change the laws that affect their lives.

In what areas can we create Assembly Measures?
The Assembly will have the power to make laws – known as Assembly Measures – in 20 “fields” of government activity. These include local government, Culture, economic development, education and training, environment, health and health services, and the Welsh language.Westminster will remain the sole legislator for policy areas like defence, foreign affairs, fiscal, monetary and economic policy.

How will it work?
The Assembly will bid to the UK parliament for matters relevant to the fields outlined above to be devolved to the Assembly. Anyone can propose for matters to be transferred –the Government, Assembly Members, Assembly Committees and individuals via a “public petition”. Each proposed bid has to be drafted and considered not only by the National Assembly and the WAG, but also by the UK Parliament. Once a matter has been devolved, the Assembly will be able to draft Assembly Measures in relation to the scope of the defined matter.

How can I influence the system?
The political parties have lots of ideas about the sort of legislation needed for Wales – but so do many people outside the parties. Influencing can begin early on. Outside interests can try to persuade the Assembly and WAG that legislation is needed and that powers to deal with the issue need to be devolved. Coming up with ideas about what Welsh law is now something anyone can do – you don’t have to belong to a political party, or even a large organised group to do it. For example, anyone can petition the Assembly to consider making new laws and exert real influence on the legislative process in Wales.