States of Guernsey officially called the "States of Election". Legislation passed by the States is termed "Laws" ("Loi"), which take effect in the island by Order-in-Council. Minor and secondary legislation does not require the assent of the Queen-in-Council and are known as "Ordinances" ("Ordonnances"). The States of Deliberation consists of 38 People's Deputies, elected from multi-member districts every four years. Two Alderney Deputies are appointed by the States of Alderney to represent Alderney's interest in matters delegated by Alderney to Guernsey under the 1948 Agreement. The Alderney Representatives are full members of the States of Deliberation but are unpaid, and are chosen from
States of Alderney making it one of the world's older parliaments. Less than 50% of Alderney's population had returned to the island after World War II. This led to the Parliament of the United Kingdom discussing what to do with Alderney as land ownership markers and official papers had been destroyed in the war and Alderney's economy was stagnating as a result of more than half of the islanders not returning. The United Kingdom's Home Secretary, Chuter Ede recommended "Guernseyfication" of Alderney. In 1948 His Majesty's Privy Council decided that Alderney would become a part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey again. Later in