1. The Constitution

Question 1

When was the Magna Carta signed? Why? How did this develop the UK’s constitution? - The Constitution

Answer 1

The Magna Carta was signed in 1215 by King John under pressure from his Barons. This developed the UK Constitution as it established the rule of law for all in England, even the King, after he had used disproportionate power. Also established HABEAS CORPUS.

Question 2

When was the Bill of Rights signed? Why? How did this develop the UK Constitution? - The Constitution

Answer 2

The Bill of Rights was signed in 1689 by William and Mary after the Glorious Revolution. It established freedom of speech for MPs, regular free and fair elections as well as for the monarch to always adhere to the law.

Question 3

When was the Act of Settlement signed? Why? How did this develop the UK Constitution? - The Constitution

Answer 3

The Act of Settlement was signed in 1701 in order to solve a crisis around the succession of the throne, eventually leading to the ascension of the Hanoverians. Confirmed that the monarch HAD TO BE PROTESTANT.

Question 4

When was the Act of Union signed? How did this develop the UK constitution? - The Constitution

Answer 4

The Act of Union was signed in 1707, which unified the parliamentary sovereignty of England and Scotland at a single parliament in Westminster. Created the Union of the 2 countries.

Question 5

How did the 1911 Parliament Act develop the UK Constitution? - The Constitution

Answer 5

The 1911 Parliament Act established the Commons as the senior chamber and removed the power to veto a law from the Lords. Made it so that they could only delay legislation for a maximum of 2 years. Also reduced length of max parliament to 5 years from 7.

Question 6

How did the 1949 Parliament Act develop the UK Constitution? - The Constitution

Answer 6

The 1949 Parliament Act reduced the length of time by which the Lords were able to delay legislation by to 1 year at maximum.

Question 7

How has the Salisbury Convention developed the UK Constitution? - The Constitution

Answer 7

The Salisbury Convention developed the UK Constitution as it established the convention that no manifesto pledge by the winning party should be blocked from becoming legislation by the Lords.

Question 8

When was the European Communities Act signed? How did this develop the UK Constitution? How did this impact sovereignty? - The Constitution

Answer 8

The European Communities Act was signed in 1972, which confirmed the UK’s position within the trading bloc of the EEC (now EU). This pooled a certain amount of the UK’s sovereignty in Brussels with that of other member states.

Question 9

When was the EU Notification of Withdrawal Act signed? How did this develop the UK Constitution? - The Constitution

Answer 9

The EU Notification of Withdrawal Act was signed in 2017 following a referendum on EU Membership in 2016. Began the process of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and fully returned parliamentary sovereignty to the UK.

Question 10

Give examples of constitutional statutes and conventions - The Constitution

Answer 10

An example of a constitutional statute is the Scotland Devolutionary Act of 1998 and the Parliament Acts. Constitutional conventions include the Salisbury Convention, the tradition that the Queen doesn’t enter Parliament without permission and that the Queen invites the winning party at election to form a government.

Question 11

Give an example of authoritative works and treaties - The Constitution

Answer 11

Authoritative works include AV Dicey and Erskine May. Treaties include the Maastricht Treaty (creating the EU) and the European Convention on Human Rights.

Question 12

What region was English devolution proposed in and when? - The Constitution

Answer 12

English devolution was proposed in the North East with the creation of a regional development centre, in 2004.

Question 13

What was the turnout in the North East Devolution referendum? What was the result in terms of yes/no? - The Constitution

Answer 13

The North East Devolution referendum saw a 50% turnout, with voters voting 78% against and 22% in favour.

Question 14

When was Scottish devolution first introduced? What powers did the Scottish Parliament have? - The Constitution

Answer 14

Scottish devolution was introduced in 1998, introducing a Parliament at Holyrood. It gave them legislative, administrative and financial powers over areas such as health, education, transport, crime and policing.

Question 15

When was the Conservatives’ second Scotland Act introduced? What did this determine? - The Constitution

Answer 15

The Scotland Act was introduced in 2016, allowing 16/17 year olds to vote, as well as expanded Holyrood’s legislative powers, increased its power over taxes and transferred power over housing and disability.

Question 16

When was Welsh devolution introduced? On what turnout/approval? - The Constitution

Answer 16

Welsh devolution was introduced in 1998 after a referendum in 1997, following a turnout of 50%, with only 50.5% voting in favour.

Question 17

When was the Government of Wales Act (passed by Labour) introduced? What did this allow? - The Constitution

Answer 17

The 1998 Government of Wales Act allowed ADMINISTRATIVE powers to the Senedd, granting control over transport, health, education, local services and agriculture.

Question 18

When did the Coalition introduce a further Government of Wales Act? What financial powers did this devolve? - The Constitution

Answer 18

The Government of Wales Act 2014 (introduced by the Coalition) permitted the Welsh Government to have powers over various taxes such as business rates and stamp duty, as well as allow powers for the borrowing of money on open markets to invest on projects.

Question 19

When was Northern Irish devolution introduced? What powers were devolved to the Northern Irish Assembly? - The Constitution

Answer 19

Northern Irish Devolution was introduced in 1998 as part of the Good Friday Agreement, transferring powers over legislation (on laws not decided in Westminster), education, health, transport, policing, agriculture and the arts.

Question 20

When was Northern Irish power sharing dissolved from-until? Why? - The Constitution

Answer 20

Northern Irish power sharing was dissolved in 2002 until 2007 following the breakdown of relations between the 2 governing parties in the country.

Question 21

When was devolution in London voted on? What did this propose? - The Constitution

Answer 21

Devolution in London was voted on in 1998, introducing an elected mayor and an elected Greater London Assembly.

Question 22

What % of voters approved the proposal to create a London mayor/assembly? What was the turnout of this referendum? - The Constitution

Answer 22

72% of voters approved the proposal to create a London Assembly and elect a mayor, with this done on a turnout of 33%.

Question 23

What is EVEL? Who introduced it? - The Constitution

Answer 23

EVEL is a convention introduced by the Conservatives stating that only English MPs should have the ability to vote on matters impacting England.

Question 24

How did the Coalition reform the election cycle in the UK? When? - The Constitution

Answer 24

The coalition passed the Fixed Term Parliaments Act in 2011, which dictates that the maximum length of any parliament is 5 years and sets the date for the next election automatically.

Question 25

What power did the Fixed Term Parliaments Act remove from the PM? How can the 5 year limit be changed? - The Constitution

Answer 25

The Fixed Term Parliaments Act removed the prerogative power of the PM whereby they could decide the date of the next election to suit them. If a 2/3 majority of Parliament decides votes on an election being called or 2 votes of no confidence in a short period.

Question 26

How did the Coalition reform the operation of select committees to improve democracy? - The Constitution

Answer 26

Made it so that chairs of select committees would be chosen by MPs rather than by party leaders and that additional salaries would be given to these chairs.

Question 27

How did the coalition propose reform of the electoral SYSTEM? What was the outcome of this proposal? - The Constitution

Answer 27

Lib Dems forced a referendum on the electoral system in 2011, proposing a change from FPTP to alternative vote.
Resulted in 68% of those turning out opposing the reform, a crushing blow to the Lib Dems’ hopes of changing UK democracy.

Question 28

How did the Coalition reform devolution in Wales? - The Constitution

Answer 28

A referendum in Wales succeeded in the passing of further devolution to Wales. This gave the Welsh Assembly LEGISLATIVE powers over 20 devolved areas.

Question 29

How did the Coalition reform devolution in Scotland with the FIRST Conservative Scotland Act? - The Constitution

Answer 29

2012 Scotland Act was passed, which granted borrowing powers, the right to partially alter income tax rates up or down, powers over land fill tax and stamp duty, greater legislative powers.

Question 30

How did the Coalition create a public decision over Scotland’s future? - The Constitution

Answer 30

In 2014, IndyRef was held in Scotland over whether it would become independent from the UK. Received a 55% vote in favour of REMAINING in the Union, and the will of the people was implemented.

Question 31

In response to IndyRef, how did the Conservatives develop devolution in Scotland? - The Constitution

Answer 31

The Conservatives passed the Scotland Act 2016 which further devolved powers, also making it so that Scottish 16/17 year olds could vote in Scottish Elections.

Question 32

How did the Coalition reform local government? - The Constitution

Answer 32

The Coalition abolished regional development centres, although did introduce elected city mayors with devolved powers in areas such as Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Liverpool.

Question 33

How did the Conservatives reform the constitution through the UK’s relations with the EU? - The Constitution

Answer 33

Following the EU referendum of 2016, the EU Notification of Withdrawal Act was passed in 2017, which began the process of the UK Leaving the EU and changed our relationship with our largest trading partner.

Question 34

When was the Recall of MPs Act introduced? What did this determine? - The Constitution

Answer 34

The Recall of MPs Act was introduced in 2015, allowing an MP to be removed if 10% of constituents vote to do so and a by election votes them out of office.

Question 35

How did New Labour intend to to alter the House of Lords through constitutional reform? How did this fall short of proposals? - The Constitution

Answer 35

Labour passed the 1999 House of Lords Act which aimed to increase democracy in the unelected Lords. Decreased number of hereditary peers to 92, creating a largely appointed second chamber. Labour wished to create a fully elected/appointed chamber but had to reach a compromise with the Lords on 92.

Question 36

When was the House of Lords Act passed by Labour? - The Constitution

Answer 36

House of Lords Act passed in 1999.

Question 37

How did Labour aim to reform the House of Commons to improve democracy? - The Constitution

Answer 37

Labour reformed PMQs, creating one 30 minute weekly session compared to two 15 minute sessions a week. They established the Backbench Business Committee who were given a chance to raise legislative issues, made so select committee members were elected and chairs of select committees were elected

Question 38

When was Scotland granted devolved powers by referendum? What powers were granted to Scotland? Why was devolution needed in Scotland? - The Constitution

Answer 38

Scotland was granted devolved powers by referendum in 1997. Powers were granted over healthcare, university fees and limited taxation measures. Devolution needed in Scotland due to rise in nationalist sentiment.

Question 39

When was Wales granted devolved powers by referendum? What powers were granted? Why was the mandate for this debatable? - The Constitution

Answer 39

Wales were granted devolved powers by referendum in 1997, with these powers including power over healthcare, housing, transport, education. This was only passed by a 50.3% yes vote on a 50% turnout, so in reality only 25% of Wales voted for this, weakening its legitimacy.

Question 40

When were Northern Ireland granted devolved powers by referendum? What powers were granted? - The Constitution

Answer 40

Northern Ireland was granted devolved powers by referendum in 1998 (GOOD FRIDAY AGREEMENT). Led to creation of NIR Assembly, which had powers over health, housing, transport, education.

Question 41

When was London granted devolved powers by referendum? What powers were given to London? Why was the mandate for this debatable? - The Constitution

Answer 41

London was granted powers by referendum in 1998 following a referendum on whether London should have elected mayors. Granted power over transport, policing, other London-based services. London mayor/assembly only approved on a 30% turnout!

Question 42

How did Labour improve human rights through using the ECHR? When? - The Constitution

Answer 42

Labour incorporated the ECHR into the UK Constitution, which provided much greater protection of citizens’ rights.
Incorporated into Constitution in 1998

Question 43

How did Labour improve human rights through the Data Protection Act? When was this passed? - The Constitution

Answer 43

The Data Protection Act aimed to make all information on an individual held by public bodies (doctors, schools, govt. etc) to be accessed by that individual.
Data Protection Act passed in 1998.

Question 44

How did Labour improve human rights through the Freedom of Information Act? When was this passed? - The Constitution

Answer 44

The Freedom of Information Act (passed in 2000) meant that any govt. document that was deemed necessary to be published by an independent tribunal would be published. Prevents suppression of information and increases government transparency.

Question 45

How did Labour reform the highest branch of the judiciary? What impact did this have? - The Constitution

Answer 45

Labour created a Supreme Court, made up of the most senior judges in the UK, to rule on important legal issues. This removed the judicial role of the HoL, whereby ‘Law Lords’ would rule on important issues. This separated the legislative and judicial branches of govt.

Question 46

How did Labour reform the office of Lord Chancellor? Why? What impacts did this have? - The Constitution

Answer 46

Labour removed the judicial role from the position of Lord Chancellor, who would previously have held roles in all 3 branches of government. Meant that there was no longer overlap or significant imbalance between the branches of government.

Question 47

What failures were there of regional English devolution by Labour? - The Constitution

Answer 47

Labour attempted to establish Regional Development Associations with similar devolved powers to devolved assemblies in home nations. However, after a referendum in the North East failed on low turnout, the additional devolution was scrapped.

Question 48

When did Labour hold a referendum in the North East on further devolution of power to there? What turnout/result? - The Constitution

Answer 48

In 2004, Labour held a referendum on devolving powers to the North East of England. However nearly 80% of people rejected it on a 50% turnout.

Question 49

How did Labour increase representation of views within Parliament? When did this happen? - The Constitution

Answer 49

Labour established the Backbench Business Committee, which was allocated time inside Parliament to decide what issues they would debate. This was introduced in 2010.

Question 50

What does the 2014 House of Lords Act achieve? - The Constitution

Answer 50

The 2014 House of Lords Act allows peers to retire from their roles, as well as allows any peers who do not attend within a whole session to be excluded from their roles. Also applies to anyone receiving a jail sentence.