1.1 NATURE AND SOURCES OF THE CONSTITUTION

Question 1

define constitution

Answer 1

A set of rules determining where sovereignty lies in a political
system, and establishing the relationship between the government
and the governed.

Question 2

define unentrenched

Answer 2

A constitution with no special procedure for amendment.

Question 3

define uncodified

Answer 3

A constitution not contained in a single written document.

Question 4

define unitary

Answer 4

A political system where all legal sovereignty is contained in a single
place.

Question 5

define parliamentary sovereignty

Answer 5

The principle that Parliament can make, amend or unmake any law,
and cannot bind its successors or be bound by its predecessors.

Question 6

define the rule of law

Answer 6

The principle that all people and bodies, including government, must
follow the law and can be held to account if they do not.

Question 7

define statute law

Answer 7

Laws passed by Parliament.

Question 8

define common law

Answer 8

Laws made by judges where the law does not cover the issue or is
unclear.

Question 9

define conventions

Answer 9

Traditions not contained in law but influential in the operation of a
political system.

Question 10

define authoritative works

Answer 10

Works written by experts describing how a political system is run,
they are not legally binding but are taken as significant guides.

Question 11

define treaties

Answer 11

Formal agreements with other countries, usually ratified by
Parliament.

Question 12

in terms of unitary power, ultimately who grants authority, who is the central authority?

Answer 12

Parliament in Westminister (everything stems from here)

Question 13

what is the overview of the development of the constitution and the keys dates accompanying them?

Answer 13

1. Magna Carta (1215)
2. Bill of Rights (1689)
3. Act of Settlement (1701)
4. Acts of Union (1707)
5. Parliament Acts (1911 and 1949)

Question 14

the nature of the UK Constitution:

Answer 14

1. unentrenched
2. uncodified
3. unitary
4. the ‘twin pillars’ of parliamentary sovereignty and the rule of law

Question 15

what are the five main sources of the constitution?

Answer 15

1. statute law
2. common law;
3. conventions
4. authoritative works
5. treaties.

Question 16

give me three words to describe the uk constitution

Answer 16

uncodified, unitary and unentrenched